ROVERS DISMISS BOUT OF NERVES

DONCASTER Rovers eased six points clear at the top with a 3-1 home success against Kevin Nolan’s Notts County.

The Magpies took a shock lead through Richard Duffy, but veteran James Coppinger eased nerves when he levelled two minutes before the break. Mathieu Baudry netted just after the restart and Andy Williams sealed it. Second-placed Plymouth had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Wycombe. Myles Weston gave the Chairboys the lead, but Nathan Blissett, the nephew of former Watford ace Luther, came off the bench to head home a minute after coming on.

Portsmouth gave further proof they are hitting form at the perfect time with a 4-0 demolition job on Grimsby at Fratton Park. Kyle Bennett, Danny Rose, Carl Baker and Kal Naismith were all on the mark for third-placed Pompey, who extended their advantage over the chasers to six points.

Stevenage dropped from fourth to sixth after a 1-0 defeat at Blackpool, Mark Cullen’s early penalty proving decisive.

Carlisle and Luton climbed to fourth and fifth respectively after playing out a 0-0 draw.

Reuben Reid notched a double, one from the spot, as Exeter tightened their grip on the final play-off place with a 3-0 win at home against Cheltenham, who slipped to third bottom. Hartlepool and Crewe eased relegation fears with 1-0 and 3-0 wins respectively at Cambridge and Crawley. Caretaker-boss Michael Flynn made it two wins from two as

Newport climbed off the foot of the division with a 1-0 win at Morecambe, Ryan Bird netting the winner from the spot.

Leyton Orient went bottom after a 5-0 thumping at Accrington. OTHER RESULTS: Barnet 2 Yeovil 2; Colchester 2 Mansfield 0.