Mansfield threaten Cobblers’ promotion hopes

MANSFIELD moved into the Sky Bet League Two play-offs and dented Northampton’s automatic promotion hopes with a 1-0 win.

Oli Hawkins scored the only goal for Nigel Clough’s side, who made it four games without defeat to move sixth. Northampton finished with 10 men after Paul Lewis was sent off 15 minutes from time.

Forest Green left it late to see off bottom side Scunthorpe, with Dan Sweeney’s 75th-minute effort the difference between the two sides.

Meanwhile Exeter stretched their unbeaten run to seven games as a battling 1-0 victory over fellow promotion-hopefuls Newport helped them keep the pressure on Rovers above them. Timothee Dieng’s 72ndminute goal was enough to secure the Grecians all three points.

Port Vale came from behind to win 2-1 at relegation-threatened Barrow to jump up to third. Josh Kay put Barrow ahead after 24 minutes, but promotion-chasing Vale hit back after 59 minutes through Jamie Proctor. Such is the tight nature of the promotion race, Vale were outside the top seven until Aaron Martin’s 89th-minute winner.

Bristol Rovers are up to fifth after coming from behind to beat Bradford 2-1 and make it six wins in seven games. Mark Hughes’ side went ahead through Dion Pereira just after half-time but Rovers were quickly level as Sam Finley struck. Connor Taylor scored after 75 minutes to turn things around for Joey Barton’s side.

Tranmere were held 2-2 by Carlisle after finishing the game with nine men. Rovers were ahead after 15 minutes through Kane Hemmings but the hosts were dealt a blow when Calum Macdonald was sent off five minutes before the break.

Omari Patrick equalised for Carlisle after 55 minutes but the 10 men hit back through Elliot Nevitt’s 76th-minute strike. Rovers had a second red card in added time as Kieron Morris was dismissed and Tobi Sho-silva equalised at the death.

Oldham came out on top with a 1-0 victory in their relegation battle with Stevenage. Jamie Hopcutt scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutes to move Oldham three points clear of danger.