Curtis seals Pompey win after Dons put up fight

Portsmouth extended their lead at the top of Sky Bet League One to five points after edging a late 2-1 victory over struggling AFC Wimbledon at Fratton Park.

Jamal Lowe netted his third goal in two games with an eighth-minute opener for the hosts but his effort was cancelled out by Kwesi Appiah 15 minutes from time to threaten a shock result.

However, Ronan Curtis headed Pompey back in front five minutes later and they held on for maximum points as the visitors dropped to the bottom of the table.

Second-placed Luton were held in a goalless draw at home to Barnsley, who remain fourth as a result.

Sunderland’s win at Blackpool leaves them third and two points behind Lyuton, with two games in hand.

Lee Novak netted a brace as high-flying Peterborough suffered a shock 2-0 defeat against lowly Scunthorpe and slipped out of the playoff places as a result, while the Iron remain in the relegation zone on goal difference.

John Marquis scored twice to make it 18 goals for the season as Doncaster moved into the play-offs thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 victory at home to Rochdale.

Alfie May headed the hosts ahead in the opening minute, while Ali Crawford doubled their tally midway through the first half before Marquis netted either side of half-time and James Coppinger’s late header added the gloss.

Bradford made it four wins from their last five league games to move up to 20th following a comfortable 3-0 victory at home to 10-man Accrington.

Lewis O’Brien opened the scoring as he fired Eoin Doyle’s assist into the top corner from outside the 18-yard box before the latter added a second on the half-hour for his fourth goal in five games.

That second goal came moments after Offrande Zanzala was sent off for the away side, while Connor Wood scored a third just after the break to seal the win.

Charlton - who Sunderland visit on Saturday - edged Walsall 2-1 thanks to Karlan Ahearne-Grant’s 12th goal this term just six minutes in and Lyle Taylor’s ninth-minute penalty, while Andy Cook reduced the deficit two minutes into the second half.

Plymouth moved off the bottom thanks to a 3-0 win over Oxford.