Rivals stumble as Pompey increase gap to play-off spots

Stevenage, who host Paul Cook’s men on Saturday, lost 1-0 at Blackpool and have now dropped down to sixth place.

Carlisle were held to a 0-0 draw by Luton and after getting a point each, those two sides are now fourth and fifth.

But the night’s events mean Pompey have now increased their advantage to the sides outside the automatic promotion spots.

They also cut the gap to second-placed Plymouth, who had to battle back for a 1-1 draw at Wycombe after going behind.

Nathan Blissett headed in the equaliser on 72 minutes to cancel out the 18th-minute opener from Myles Weston for the hosts.

Plymouth are now just four points ahead of Cook’s side.

Leaders Doncaster have increased their advantage over Plymouth to six points after beating Notts County 3-1.

Goals from James Coppinger and Mathieu Baudry either side of half-time, and Andy Williams’ late effort, made it a 19th home game of the season without defeat for Rovers.

Exeter occupy the final play-off spot in seventh after they beat Cheltenham 3-0.

Reuben Reid scored twice and Jake Taylor got the third for the Grecians.

Crewe won 3-0 at Crawley, Accrington thumped Leyton Orient 5-0 and Hartlepool earned a 1-0 victory at Cambridge.

Colchester beat Mansfield 2-0 and Newport boosted their hopes of getting out of the bottom two with a 1-0 win at Morecambe.