Carlisle secured a fourth straight win by hammering Darlington at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Kevin Gray broke the deadlock for the 7/5 Cumbrians on the stroke of half-time and further goals from Derek Holmes (60), Michael Bridges (62), Glenn Murray (88) and Simon Grand (90) completed a fine away win.

Grimsby moved into second place with a battling 2-1 victory against third-from-bottom Bury. Gary Jones struck twice on 14 and 20 to give the 6/10 Mariners the lead but Jon Daly gave the Shakers hope on the hour.

Wycombe slipped to third after losing 1-0 at home to Torquay, a result which eased the Seagulls own fears of relegation. Tony Bedeau struck the decisive goal after 57 minutes to gift John Cornforth