Results fall firmly in favour of Portsmouth as Rotherham, Coventry, Sunderland and Fleetwood all drop points in promotion race

Goals from Andy Cannon, John Marquis and Marcus Harness ensured the Blues made a swift return to the top six following Saturday’s loss at Fleetwood.

And tonight’s results from around the division couldn’t have gone much better for Kenny Jackett’s men as they now sit fifth in the table.

Moreover, Pompey are five points behind leaders Rotherham, having played a game fewer.

The Millers were held to a 1-1 draw in their top-of-the-table clash against Coventry at St Andrew's.

Former Blues target Freddie Ladapo gave the visitors the lead in the 23rd minute before Matt Goddin – another striker who was a summer target – equalised two minutes into the second half.

Sunderland and Fleetwood also both dropped points after they played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadium of Light.

It appeared the Cod Army were heading for victory through Barrie McKay’s fifth-minute effort.

Yet the Black Cats dug in to the end, with Max Power bagging a 97th-minute equaliser.

As a result, Pompey leapfrogged Fleetwood and are two points behind Sunderland with a match in hand.

Oxford have started to gather pace again following a 3-0 defeat of Accrington.

Matt Taylor was at the double after James Henry gave Karl Robinson’s men the lead at the Kassam Stadium.

Blackpool picked up a much-needed success over basement-side Bolton.

Ex-Fratton loanee Connor Ronan broke the deadlock in the first half for the Seasiders.

But the hosts’ profligacy almost came back to haunt them when Kean Bryan equalised for the Trotters with two minutes remaining.

However, there was to be more late drama when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netted in the 90th minute.

Tranmere gave their survival hopes a lifeline with a 3-2 win at Shrewsbury.

Rovers were two goals to the good after just 14 minutes through goals from Mark Ellis and Alex Woodyard.

The Shrews hit back in the second half – firstly with Aaron Pierre reducing the deficit before Callum Lang equalised.

But Tranmere were to return to Merseyside with three precious points when Corey Blackett-Taylor scored five minutes into stoppage-time.