Cumbrians crushed as Rovers retain lead at top

MATTY Stevens and Jamille Matt were on target once again as Forest Green stayed seven points clear at the top of League Two following a 3-0 win at home to Carlisle.

Rovers took the lead in the 16th minute when Nicky Cadden’s cross was turned into his own net by Morgan Feeney. Stevens doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half and Matt made the game safe as the strike-pair made it 16 league goals apiece for the campaign.

Second-placed Tranmere needed a deflected free-kick from Jay Spearing to take maximum points in a 1-0 victory at Crawley.

Northampton moved up to fourth following a goalless draw against third-placed Sutton at Gander Green Lane. The home side were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute when Craig Eastmond was sent off.

In-form Mansfield made it seven straight wins with a 3-1 victory at Barrow.

The Stags got off to the perfect start as Rhys Oates flicked in a header from a first-minute corner, but Barrow levelled in the 17th minute when James Jones powered home from a Robbie Gotts centre.

Stephen Mclaughlin put the Stags back in front in the 25th minute, only for Nigel Clough’s side to lose Farrend Rawson to a second yellow card.

But Mansfield scored again in the 68th minute when Jordan Bowery headed in a free kick to seal the points.

Sam Finley scored a fortuitous equaliser to earn Bristol Rovers a 1-1 draw at Swindon in the early game.

Tyreece Simpson put the Robins in front in the 16th minute. Rovers equalised before half-time as Finley scored despite Aaron Collins claiming to have got the final touch.

Exeter claimed a 2-0 win at Walsall.

Jack Muldoon scored a hat-trick as Harrogate eased to a 3-0 win over Oldham, while Wayne Brown’s spell in caretaker charge of Colchester got off to a flying start as they claimed a 3-0 win at Salford.

The Us took the lead after 31 minutes and it was two shortly afterwards when Ipswich loanee Myles Kenlock tapped in a debut goal. Corie Andrews wrapped up a first victory since November eight minutes from time.

Newport snatched a 1-0 win at Scunthorpe, while Leyton Orient’s clash with Port Vale and Rochdale’s game against Bradford finished goalless.