LEAguE 2 RouNd-up

BLACKPOOL moved up to sixth with a resounding 3-0 win at home to Cheltenham to provide a boost to their play-off chances.

Goals from Mark Cullen, Clark Robertson and Neil Danns did the damage, but the Seasiders remain just two points clear of 10th-placed Carlisle.

The Seasiders were in front though after 28 minutes when Colin Daniel’s left-wing cross was cleared by Jordan Cranston straight against Cullen, and it rebounded into the net from two yards.

The lead was doubled six minutes later when Robertson thumped home from 15 yards and Danns added a third from eight yards.

Hartlepool dropped into the bottom two as they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Barnet, with John Akinde – who later missed a penalty – and Simeon Akinola doing the damage.

A stoppage-time equaliser by skipper Jimmy Smith denied Carlisle a crucial victory as Crawley clinched a 3-3 draw at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Crawley were two up after 25 minutes thanks to James Collins, but Jabo Ibehre reduced the deficit four minutes later for his fourth goal in four games.

Carlisle were level three minutes before the break when Jamie Proctor struck with a bullet header and seized the lead on the hour through Reggie Lambe, before the hosts levelled in the second minute of stoppage time when Smith fired in.

Morecambe may have lost 3-1 at Exeter, but they are now safe from relegation as results elsewhere went their way.

The Shrimps’ goal came via Kevin Ellison’s volley, while David Wheeler, Reuben Reid (penalty) and Liam McAlinden won it for Exeter.