Contenders blow it as leaders stay top

CARLISLE retained top spot despite not playing as wins proved elusive for their closest rivals.

Newport, Cambridge, Forest Green Salford

and all had an opportunity to climb above the Cumbrians but each emerged from the day’s action with only a single point.

The Exiles – who had Josh Sheehan sent off – were unable to end their winless run as a goalless draw with Salford at Rodney

Parade extended it to five matches.

Forest Green had looked set to end the day at the summit after Nicky Cadden (above) netted a

20th-minute free-kick against Port Vale.

But Devante Rodney scored 14 minutes from time to earn the visitors a

1-1 draw. Cambridge briefly sat at the top of the table after Harvey Knibbs gave them a 12th-minute lead at Colchester.

But the home side were level by half-time thanks to a Greg Taylor own goal and the game ended 1-1.

Cheltenham failed to make up significant ground as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Bolton.

An 88th-minute own goal from Nathaniel Knight-Percival helped

Leyton Orient leapfrog

Morecambe with Lee Angol making it a 2-0 home win in stoppage time.

Barrow were the big winners at the foot of the table, picking up a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers

Scunthorpe thanks to Josh Kay’s goal. Scunny’s Junior Brown was sent off late on for a second bookable offence.

Barrow winger Luke James was stretchered off in a neck brace.

Stevenage were held to a goalless draw by

Tranmere while bottom two Grimsby and

Southend also played out a stalemate.

Davis Keillor-Dunn gave Oldham a 1-1 draw at Walsall.