League Two Review

Carlisle United became the first team in League Two to secure promotion following their 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town. The Stags looked to have delayed the promotion party when top goal scorer Ritchie Barker netted after 63 minutes but the Cumbrians levelled in the 92nd minute through their leading marksman Karl Hawley. The draw, available at 12/5 (Ladbrokes) before kick-off, secured Paul Simpson’s side their second successive promotion.

Two goals in three second-half minutes kept Northampton Town in second place after a 3-1 win at Oxford United. Chris Doig opened the scoring for the 13/10 (Bet365) Cobblers after 17 minutes while Martin Smith on 69 and Josh Low on 71 sealed a sixth win in seven matches. Defender Chris Willmott scored a consolation for United four minutes later.

Grimsby Town kept their hopes of automatic promotion alive with a 1-0 win over play-off chasers Cheltenham Town. Gary Jones scored the decisive goal for the 5/6 (Gamebookers) Mariners after 69 minutes.

Leyton Orient remained on the fringes of automatic promotion after being held 1-1 by fellow play-off hopefuls Lincoln City. John Mackie gave Orient a dream start after two minutes but Jamie Forrester levelled on 36 for the match to end all square at 9/4 (Bet365).

Wycombe Wanderers ended a run of six straight defeats with an emphatic 3-1 win at Rushden & Diamonds, putting Barry Hunter’s side on the brink of relegation. Marcus Kelly gave Diamonds the lead after 24 minutes but two goals in three minutes for Tommy Mooney on 62 and Roger Johnson 65 and a Mooney penalty two minutes from time saw a much-needed 2/1 (Ladbrokes) for the Chairboys.

Torquay United remain in the bottom two but have given themselves a fighting chance of survival after a 1-0 defeat of Wrexham. Martin Phillips netted the winner for the 7/5 (Bet365) Seagulls after nine minutes.

Stockport County edged closer to safety by beating Shrewsbury Town 3-1 at Edgley Park. Jamie Ward broke the deadlock for the 13/10 (Ladbrokes) Hatters nine minutes before the break and Kevin O’Connor double the advantage on 54. Glynn Hurst pulled one back for the Shrews 10 minutes later but a Mark Robinson penalty six minutes from the end ensured a precious home win.

Bury moved six points clear of the drop zone with a 3-2 win at Darlington. Chris Brass put through his own net after eight minutes to give the home side the lead but David Flitcroft equalised for Bury on 22. The Quakers restored their lead with 10 minutes left through Akpo Sodje but is was the 10/3 (Ladbrokes) Shakers that triumphed with goals from Brian Barry-Murphy on 85 and Matthew Tipton at the death.

Notts County preserved their League status with a 1-1 draw against visiting Rochdale. Dan Martin gave the Magpies a 72nd minute lead but Rickie Lambert’s penalty nine minutes from time made sure Dale returned to Spotland with a point at 9/4 (VCBet)

Caretaker coach Steve Bleasdale quit his post at Peterborough United just an hour before Posh ran out 3-2 winners against Macclesfield Town. John Miles gave the Silkmen the lead after 62 minutes, but Posh, under Barry Fry and Andy Legg, equalised through Danny Crow on 71 and took the lead through David Farrell on 83. Miles netted his second a minute from time to draw Brian Horton’s side level but Crow struck a last gasp 8/11 (Bet365) winner.

Bristol Rovers kept their feint play-off hopes alive with a 3-1 win against Boston United. Craig Disley opened for the even money (Ladbrokes) Gas on 27 but Julian Joachim levelled on the hour. Richard Walker’s penalty on 73 and Junior Agogo four minutes later secured victory.

Chester City extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a goalless draw against Barnet. The Blues recorded their second stalemate in succession with the result available at 12/5 (VCBet) before kick-off.

David Walker runs a popular free bets website and offers a free email course "Seven Days To Better Betting". Visit BetBonus.co.uk every Thursday to read "Walker’s Word", a detailed betting preview of the weekend’s Premiership fixtures.