Promotion watch: Pompey's rivals in focus

With a full set of fixtures taking place in League Two this weekend, all of Pompey's promotion-chasing rivals will be hoping for three points.
Third-placed Carlisle United play host to Blackpool this weekend as Pompey look to close a seven-point gap to the Cumbrians   Picture: Joe PeplerThird-placed Carlisle United play host to Blackpool this weekend as Pompey look to close a seven-point gap to the Cumbrians   Picture: Joe Pepler
Third-placed Carlisle United play host to Blackpool this weekend as Pompey look to close a seven-point gap to the Cumbrians Picture: Joe Pepler

It’s top against bottom in tonight’s game, as struggling Newport County host table-topping Doncaster (7.45pm).

A win for Donny would extend their lead at the top to eight points heading into Saturday’s fixtures.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Second-place Plymouth Argyle take on fourth place Exeter City in a tasty Devon derby at Home Park.

Derek Adams’ men have a game in hand on the Grecians, but defeat to their local rivals will reduce the gap to five points.

Carlisle United, who occupy prized third place in the table, play at home against Blackpool.

The Cumbrians have lost just once in 2017 but last weekend’s victory over Leyton Orient ended a five-game winless league run.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Luton Town, who sit one point and two places above Pompey, host 16th-placed Crawley Town at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters won their Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final tie against Yeovil on Tuesday night and could leapfrog Exeter into fourth with a win tomorrow.

Wycombe Wanderers, who moved above Pompey after beating them 1-0 last Saturday, travel to Stevenage.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side missed out on a trip to Wembley following a midweek Checkatrade Trophy semi-final defeat to Coventry City.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If Wycombe lose at Broadhall Way, a draw against Accrington would be enough to move Pompey back above the chairboys.

Mansfield, who sit one place and two points below the Blues, entertain 18th-placed Hartlepool United.

Paul Cook’s men have a game in hand on the Stags, but defeat at Fratton Park for Pompey could see them lose their play-off spot to the Nottinghamshire club.