Edwards’ strike gives Darren day to Ferg-et
Conor McAleny (above) scored a hat-trick as Oxford’s pursuit of a DARREN FERGUSON’S Doncaster missed the chance to extend their three-point lead at the top after they were held 2-2 at home to Accrington.
A superb solo run and finish from Shay McCartan put Stanley in front after four minutes but Doncaster levelled when Tommy Rowe beat goalkeeper Marek Rodak at the second attempt.
Rovers went in front in the 58th minute when a clever flick from Alfie May sent fellow forward John Marquis (below) away to score his 19th goal of the season.
But Accrington refused to lie down and levelled through Jonathan Edwards’ close-range finish.
Plymouth missed the chance to close the gap as they drew 1-1 against fellow promotion hopefuls Luton at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters took the lead through prolific Danny Hylton’s 18th goal of the season before the Pilgrims levelled when Graham Carey’s low cross was tapped in by Craig Tanner.
A spectacular Gary Roberts strike and goals from Amine Lingazi and Jack Whatmough ensured that Portsmouth closed the gap on third-placed Carlisle to three points with a 3-0 win at Brunton Park.
Exeter left it late to snatch a point as Reuben Reid’s last-gasp header rescued a 2-2 draw with Blackpool.
Colchester’s 2-1 win over struggling Hartlepool cemented their spot in the top six.
Carl Winchester made sure that Leyton Orient did not overhaul Pools as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Cheltenham. Newport remain rooted to the foot of the table after Mansfield recovered from an early setback to win 2-1. Elsewhere, Lee Molyneux scored the only goal of the game as Morecambe won 1-0 against Grimsby, Luke Berry’s strike was enough to earn Cambridge a first away win of the season at Barnet by a 1-0 scoreline while Notts County played out a goalless draw at home to Yeovil.
Crawley came from behind to beat Wycombe 2-1 and Stevenage held on for a 2-1 win at Crewe after Alex striker Chris Dagnall and Boro goalkeeper Jamie Jones saw red for a bust-up.