With the League One fixture list sliced in half, thanks to a healthy showing in the FA Cup, this left the opportunity for a number of teams to seize their opportunity and leap up the table.
Bournemouth ignored the on going speculation concerning manager Eddy Howe’s future at the club, as they comprehensively beat a struggling Plymouth side 3-0. First half goals from Danny Hollands and Liam Feeney, followed by a second half penalty by Marc Pugh, meant the Cherries jumped above South coast rivals Southampton into second place.
In a pulsating game at Prenton Park, Walsall defied the odds and produced a stunning comeback against Tranmere Rovers. With only five minutes remaining, Walsall found themselves 3-1 behind and staring yet another defeat in the face. Jon Macken’s deflected strike gave them hope, before Andy Butler’s dramatic 94th minute equaliser sent the away fans into raptures.
Relegation rivals Yeovil also got a moral boosting victory, with a 2-0 win against Brentford. Goals from Paul Huntington and Andy Williams secured all three points.
Fellow relegation strugglers Dagenham and Redbridge could not complete a hat trick of wins for the bottom clubs, losing 1-0 at home to mid-table Rochdale. Sean O'Grady’s 74th minute strike proved decisive.
Not for the first time this season Exeter let a lead slip, as they were held 1-1 at home by MK Dons. Jamie Cureton gave the home side a first half lead, only for Jabo Ibehre to score the equaliser with 17 minutes remaining.
Swindon continued their dismal run of form, losing 2-0 to play-off contenders Oldham. Chris Taylor got the home side off to a flying side with a fourth minute goal. The home fans had to wait until the 88th minute to be totally sure of the win though, when a Dale Stephens penalty wrapped up the three points.