Paul Cook starts Ipswich reign with win to move within striking distance of Portsmouth

The Tractor Boys battled from behind to win 2-1 at the Wham Stadium.

Cook was appointed manager at Portman Road earlier in the day and will take charge of playing matters later this week.

Former Fratton favourite Gary Roberts has also joined his coaching staff – and both would have liked what they witnessed in Lancashire.

Dion Charles opened the scored for Stanley in the fourth minute but their lead was compromised when Seamus Conneely was sent off 12 minutes later.

Ipswich made sure their numerical advantage counted as James Wilson equalised before James Norwood struck in first-half stoppage-time.

Cook’s side are now up to seventh – two places and two points behind Pompey with a game in hand.

The Blues have dropped to fifth in the table after being leapfrogged by Sunderland.

The Black Cats edged Swindon 1-0, with Charlie Wyke notching in the 70th minute at the Stadium of Light.

Lincoln's recent troubles continued as they lost 2-1 at home to Fleetwood to slip out of the automatic promotion places.

Gerard Garner and Callum Camps were on target for the Cod Army before Callum Morton bagged a consolation goal on his return from injury.

Hull took full advantage and surged into the top two with a 2-0 win over Rochdale.

Peterborough are three points clear at the summit despite being held to a goalless draw at Oxford.

Burton are out of the relegation zone as they beat fellow League Two candidates Bristol Rovers 1-0.

Gillingham edged a 3-2 win against MK Dons, Blackpool were held to a 1-1 draw with Crewe as were Shrewsbury against AFC Wimbledon.

Northampton picked up a much-needed 2-0 success over Plymouth ahead of Pompey’s trip to Sixfields on Saturday.

Finally, Charlton triumphed 1-0 at Wigan with ex-Blues target Chuks Aneke bagging.