Grimsby are within three points of leaders Carlisle after easing to victory over play-off outsiders Wrexham. The Mariners, hammered 5-0 at Lincoln last week, took the lead through Gary Jones after 25 minutes and Michael Reddy ensured an 8/11 home victory two minutes from time.

Northampton kept their automatic promotion campaign on course with a 1-0 victory at Peterborough United. Former Posh striker Scott McGleish netted the crucial goal, his twentieth of the season, after 21 minutes to seal a 17/10 away win.

Promotion-chasing Leyton Orient were denied all three points on their visit to Notts County. Wayne Corden gave the Os the lead three minutes into the second half but Mike Edwards levelled on 74 to set-up a draw at odds of 9/4.

Wycombes bid for automatic promotion suffered a major blow as they slumped to a third straight defeat. Vistors Bristol Rovers, 10/3 outsiders on the day, found themselves 3-0 ahead at the Causeway Stadium through a Junior Agogo brace and Richard Walker penalty before Jermaine Easter scored a consolation.

Darlington kept their slim play-off hopes alive by defeating fellow optimists Lincoln 4-2 at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Guy Bates headed the Quakers into the lead three minutes after the break but Marvin Robinson levelled on 53. Matt Clarke put Darlington back in front four minutes later before two goals from on-loan Jemal Johnson on 61 and 71 secured a 6/4 home win. Jamie Forrester netted a consolation on 76.

In the battle at the bottom, Rushden & Diamonds swapped places with Torquay as they won 1-0 at Nene Park. Drewe Broughton struck the winner for the 5/4 Diamonds two minutes before the break to give their survival hopes a boost.

Chester eased their relegation worries with a much-needed win at the Deva Stadium against Macclesfield. The in-form Derek Asamoah netted his first of the afternoon for the 7/5 Blues five minutes after the break but the Silkmen levelled through Kevin Townson on 75. With the match heading for a draw Asamoah struck a late winner.

Bury extended their unbeaten run to three games as they got the better of fellow strugglers Stockport at Edgeley Park. Jon Daly netted the decisive goal for the 12/5 Shakers after 32 minutes.

Barnet slid further into relegation trouble after losing 2-1 at Boston. Lawrie Dudfield broke the deadlock after 16 minutes for the 9/10 Pilgrims while Mark Greaves doubled the advantage on 35. Lee Roache pulled one back for the Bees on 73 but Boston held firm.