Carlisle secured a fourth straight win by hammering Darlington at the Williamson Motors Stadium. Kevin Gray broke the deadlock for the 7/5 Cumbrians on the stroke of half-time and further goals from Derek Holmes (60), Michael Bridges (62), Glenn Murray (88) and Simon Grand (90) completed a fine away win.

Grimsby moved into second place with a battling 2-1 victory against third-from-bottom Bury. Gary Jones struck twice on 14 and 20 to give the 6/10 Mariners the lead but Jon Daly gave the Shakers hope on the hour.

Wycombe slipped to third after losing 1-0 at home to Torquay, a result which eased the Seagulls own fears of relegation. Tony Bedeau struck the decisive goal after 57 minutes to gift John Cornforths side an unlikely 11/2 victory.

Northamptons bid for automatic promotion was dented as Mansfield beat them 1-0 at Field Mill. The prolific Richie Barker scored after 65 minutes to extend the 6/4 Stags unbeaten run to eight matches.

Peterborough slipped out of the play-off places after battling back twice from behind in a 2-2 draw with Barnet. Veteran Andy Hessenthaler gave the Bees the lead after 10 minutes but Danny Crow levelled for Posh early in the second half. Barry Fuller restored the visitors lead on 70 but Richard Logan levelled five minutes later to set up a 13/5 stalemate.

Rushden & Diamonds gave their survival hopes a boost with a narrow 1-0 win against Leyton Orient. Drewe Broughton provided the winning goal after 16 minutes as the 2/1 Diamonds extended their unbeaten run to four games and moved off the bottom of the table.

Chester slipped to the foot of League Two as Cheltenham boosted their play-off hopes with a 1-0 win at the Deva Stadium. The 7/5 Robins winning goal came just 90 seconds after kick off as Brian Wilson slotted home.

Lawrie Dudfield struck the winner four minutes into stoppage time as Boston beat derby rivals Lincoln at York Street. Julian Joachim gave the 6/4 Pilgrims the lead after 26 minutes, Marvin Robinson restored parity on 66 before Dudfields last gasp winning goal.

Relegation-battling Oxford earned a goalless draw at Notts County while Stockport County pulled clear of the bottom two with a 2-0 win against fellow strugglers Macclesfield. A Michael Briscoe own goal after 12 minutes and an effort from Adam Le Fondre in injury time sealed a precious victory for the even money Hatters.