Southend came from a goal behind to stretch their lead at the top of League One to eight points with a 2-1 win over struggling Blackpool. Gareth Williams gave the Tangerines the lead after 32 minutes but Fredy Eastwood equalised on the hour. Luke Guttridge struck the winner for the 8/15 Shrimpers four minutes from the end.

Brentford remain second despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Bradford and have won just once in their last six. Michael Symes gave the Bantams the lead on 36 but Lloyd Owusu drew the Bees level two minutes before the break to set up a 13/5 draw.

Huddersfield wasted the chance to enter the automatic promotion places after slipping 2-0 at Gillingham. Gary Mulligan put the 13/8 Gills in front after four minutes and Matt Jarvis sealed victory in stoppage time.

Nottingham Forest continued their march toward a play-off place with a fortunate 1-0 win over Colchester. James Perch scored the decisive goal on 72 which saw even money Forest gain 20 points from the last 24 available to them.

Swansea lost further ground on the automatic promotion places after slumping to a 3-2 defeat at Port Vale. Sam Togwell gave the 13/8 Valliants the lead two minutes before the break but Adebayo Akinfenwa equalised on 47. Michael Cummins on 58 and Leon Constantine after 63 minutes secured a vital home win before Rory Fallon netted a consolation two minutes from full-time.

Basement club Milton Keyes Dons have a slim hope of survival after beating play-off hopefuls Oldham at Boundary Park. Luke Beckett gave the Latics an expected lead after 28 minutes but Izale McLeod struck twice in as many minutes on 40 and 41 to seal an unlikely 11/2 away win.

Two goals in five minutes sealed a precious victory for Rotherham against Tranmere to move them out of the relegation zone. Martin Butler on 73 and Paul Shaw on 78 was enough to earn a 7/5 win at Millmoor.

Two sides in grave danger