POMPEY ARE IN GREIGHT SHAPE

PORTSMOUTH took a massive step towards a Championship return after a 3-1 win at WYCOMBE moved the League One leaders 11 points clear of third place.

Two goals from Colby Bishop (above) and Christian Saydee secured the victory that means they need eight points from the last six games to guarantee promotion.

An effort from Ebou Adams (right) clinched DERBY’S 1-0 home win vs BLACKPOOL that tightened the Rams’ hold on second spot.

The victory, combined with third-placed BOLTON’S 0-0 draw at STEVENAGE, opened up a six-point gap between the two teams although Paul Warne’s Rams have played a game more.

Joe Mellish scored a hat-trick as fourth-placed PETERBOROUGH suffered a shock 3-1 home defeat to bottom club CARLISLE, who remain 13 points from safety. And fifth-placed BARNSLEY also faltered as they slumped to a 2-0 home loss to CAMBRIDGE, who boosted their survival hopes with a first win under boss Garry Monk.

LINCOLN moved into the play-off places for the first time this season after Javan Makama’s lastminute winner sealed a 1-0 win against LEYTON ORIENT. The Imps moved above OXFORD who failed to hold on to the lead given to them by Billy Bodin at SHREWSBURY with Jack Price equalising for the hosts late on.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s strike made the difference as READING beat NORTHAMPTON 1-0 at home to move six points clear of the bottom four with an eighth league win since the turn of the year.

PORT VALE boosted their survival hopes after goals from Ben Garrity and Baylee Dipepa completed a 2-0 home victory over BRISTOL ROVERS.

And CHELTENHAM moved to within two points of safety after Aidan Keena’s goal clinched a 2-1 win at FLEETWOOD.