Down to the wire...

Following last night’s defeat to Torquay, the Bees find themselves back in the drop-zone with two games remaining. I used the league predictor on the BBC website to see where I think we’d finish and this is what my guesses reveal:

*I’d like to point out I was correct last season, with us finishing 22^nd and Hereford joining Macclesfield in the Conference.

Our rivals in the relegation dog fight:

24^th Aldershot

Played 44, Won 10, Drawn 15, Lost 19

Goal difference -17 ~ Current points 45

Last 5 games: L L D W D

Final fixtures: Dagenham & Redbridge (h) and Rotherham (a)

* Win for Dagenham & Redbridge would guarantee safety, Rotherham will want an automatic promotion finish (if available).

23^rd Barnet

Played 44, Won 12, Drawn 12, Lost 20

Goal difference -11, Current points 48

Last 5 games: L L W D D

Final fixtures: Wycombe (h) and Northampton (a)

* Wycombe have nothing to play for, Northampton will want an automatic promotion finish (if available).

22^nd AFC Wimbledon

Played 44, Won 13, Drawn 10, Lost 21

Goal difference -23, Current points 49

Last 5 games: D L L L W

Final fixtures: Gillingham (a) and Fleetwood (h)

* Gillingham already promoted but can be crowned Champions, Fleetwood could mathematically still make the play-offs.

21^st York

Played 44, Won 10, Drawn 19, Lost 15

Goal difference -12, Current points 49

Last 5 games: W D W D L

Final fixtures: Southend (h) and Dagenham & Redbridge (a)

* Southend could mathematically make the play-offs, Dagenham & Redbridge could be safe by then.

20^th Torquay

Played 44, Won 12, Drawn 13, Lost 19

Goal difference -9, Current points 49

Last 5 games: W L L L W

Final fixtures: Morecambe (a) and Bristol Rovers (h)

* Morecambe have nothing to play for, Bristol Rovers have nothing to play for.

19^th Accrington

Played 44, Won 13, Drawn 12, Lost 19

Goal difference -15, Current points 51

Last 5 games: W D D W L

Final fixtures: Bristol Rovers (a) and Oxford (h)

* Bristol Rovers have nothing to play for, Oxford have nothing to play for.

18^th Dagenham & Redbridge

Played 44, Won 13, Drawn 12, Lost 19

Goal difference -5, Current points 51

Last 5 games: L W L D L

Final fixtures: Aldershot (a) and York (h)

* Aldershot need maximum points to avoid relegation, York could possibly still be relegated.

Of those teams, I’d suggest that Aldershot have the worst final two fixtures with both opponents needing points for differing reasons. A win for Dagenham in their penultimate game would most likely see them safe and while Rotherham are guaranteed at least a play-off place, they will want the final automatic promotion spot if possible.

The easiest fixtures belong to Torquay and Accrington who face teams with nothing to play for. While their opponents won’t want to finish the campaign with defeats, there are more important games both weekends.

My final two predictions:

Barnet 1-1 Wycombe

Northampton 2-1 Barnet

Two minutes with… Chesterfield

Last Saturday was Barnet’s penultimate game at Underhill, where Chesterfield were the visitors. Spireites’ fan Ryan gives his thoughts in this instalment of Two Minutes With...

Pre-match

Had you been to Underhill before?
This was my second visit to Underhill, my first being two seasons ago which was Chesterfield’s last visit to Underhill too. We drew the match 2-2 after going 2-0 up which was very disappointing but gave Barnet a vital point for survival in the 2010/2011 season.

How did you get to the game?
Unofficial supporters coach travel.

The match

Whereabouts in the ground did you sit/stand?
Like my last visit to Underhill I stood on the east terrace next to the segregation net beside the home fans. Loved the banter with the home supporters and the view was decent besides one pole which blocked off a small area of the pitch. Home supporters on the other side of the segregation were friendly as were the stewards.

What did you make of the game?
Since we won 2-0 I obviously really enjoyed the game but the score line probably wasn’t a fair reflection on Barnet’s performance for a good 60 minutes of the match. First half Chesterfield were poor, Barnet looked good going forward and had a few chances well saved by our goalkeeper Tommy Lee. Despite the home side going into half time the better of two we also had a strike from Togwell well saved by Stack. The second half I thought Chesterfield were much better and whatever Paul Cook said to the lads at half time it clearly worked. The first 10 minutes or so however Barnet threatened from a lot of consecutive corners and Jake Hyde also put a chance over from close range. Once we scored the goal from Jay O’Shea (what a goal it was too) Barnet heads seemed to drop and they began to fade out of the game, we became much better and eventually got that second goal through Togwell, excellent work down the right from Darikwa.

Who (from either side) do you think deserved to be man of the match?
As we kept another clean sheet I would nominate either Neal Trotman or Liam Cooper our CB pairing for the match. They had to deal with a lot of pressure from Barnet for a good 60 minutes and dealt with all 18 of Barnet’s corners very well. They looked strong, challenged well and very dominant in the air as usual. Very pleased with our defence again which is our strongest area of our team. Cooper perhaps just edged it for me.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?
Taking into consideration all of Barnet’s pressure in the first half and the start of the second half and the chances they had probably not, I thought they were the better team for the majority of the match. However we defended well and had a few chances of our own before showing Barnet how to finish effectively. A point would probably have been a fair outcome for both teams but obviously I’m very happy with all three.

Who do you play next, and how do you think you’ll get on?
After our 2-0 victory away to Barnet we have Bradford at home the following Saturday. Absolutely massive match for us as we are just three points off the play-offs in 9^th position whereas Bradford are currently in 8^th position with a point more and a game in hand over us. It is very important that we win and I think our home advantage will ensure we do just that. Also we currently occupy top spot in the form table after beating Barnet so I am confident, for once.

Ratings

Cost of match day ticket ––– 8/10

My match day ticket cost my £16 which is a reasonable price for an adult ticket at any ground in league two, however it is not the cheapest ticket I have purchased this season.

Purchases made at ground ––– 8/10

I bought an official match day programme from the ‘Village Shop’ outside the away end for £3 which was of very good quality, the content inside it was very good. I didn’t purchase any food or drink within the ground although it all looked very nice and the prices were of good value so I was told.

View ––– 7/10

The view overall was decent although there was one pole which blocked off a small area of the pitch, however this is expected with the east stand being a traditional terrace. Luckily we scored both of our goals in the other net.

Quality of football ––– 7/10

(Chesterfield) - Poor in the first half but much improved in the second, scored two goals from two best bits of quality within the entire match I’d say.

(Barnet) – Looked good going forward but lacked that ‘effective finishing’ end product, forced a lot of pressure on the Chesterfield defence especially in the first half and beginning of the second which won Barnet a lot of corners.

Overall experience ––– 9/10
Ever since I heard the news that Barnet would be leaving Underhill at the end of the season I just had to make sure I was present at our final visit. Overall I was really pleased that I attended and very happy with the result. The match was very good to watch although the atmosphere from the away fans was a bit flat, our main singers decided not to make an appearance. Home fans friendly and the stewards were very helpful. Overall I’m glad we won at our last ever visit to Underhill; we had not won there since the 3-1 victory in 2008, a perfect way for Spireites to say goodbye to Underhill.

Total ––– 39/50

 And you can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryandickens_cfc

League Two round-up: 30.03.13

The first of the Easter weekend fixtures were played across Friday and Saturday afternoon in League Two. With things close at both ends of the table, it was a good opportunity for teams to build momentum going into Easter Monday’s games as well as for the remainder of the season.

On Friday afternoon, five goals were scored at Vale Park where promotion candidates Port Vale met Cheltenham, another team looking to go up to League One automatically. The narrow victory in the hosts’ favour meant the Rubies had to end the weekend with a place in the play-offs. Tom Pope’s hat-trick helped Vale secure maximum points, his first goal coming via a header in the opening 20 minutes. Cheltenham levelled after the break, Kaid Mohamed pouncing in the area, before going on to take the lead through Paul Benson’s effort. Vale equalised courtesy of a Pope volley and he completed his treble midway through the second period, increasing his tally for the season to 30. A neat chip over Scott Brown in the visitors’ goal secured the points.

A narrow win for Northampton kept them in the race for third place, while defeat for Torquay sees them continue their fight for survival at the wrong end of the table. Roy O’Donovan’s late strike five minutes from time handed The Cobblers victory – it was his third goal for the club since joining on deadline day in January.

There was also a Friday win for play-off occupants Rotherham, with a single goal separating them and AFC Wimbledon. Alex Revell’s 76^th minute header handed Steve Evans’ side their first win in four, while the Dons still aren’t safe at the bottom.

Continuing with teams struggling at the foot of the table, Accrington recorded a surprise win over Wycombe, courtesy of an injury time goal. Three minutes into time added on at the end of the game, Lee Molyneux smashed the ball home for a vital victory which sees Stanley sit five clear of the dropzone.

Four goals were shared when Bradford hosted Southend on Friday afternoon and the draws didn’t stop there with a further six sides settling for a point apiece. At Valley Parade, the likelihood of either side making the play-offs now looks relatively slim, with Southend seven points off and Bradford a further point behind them, with just a handful of games remaining. The Shrimpers found themselves two goals up after just 11 minutes: Gavin Tomlin opened the scoring by tapping-in after Bilel Mohsni’s shot hit the post, before Britt Assombalonga doubled their advantage seconds later. The Bantams responded in the second half to deny Phil Brown a winning start as Southend boss. Zavon Hines pulled one back after 50 minutes before James Hanson’s header salvaged a point.

A goal each was the outcome when Oxford met Morecambe and relegation- threatened Aldershot travelled to Rochdale. At The Kassam, Oxford found themselves ahead via Alfie Potter’s effort on the hour mark, but Jack Redshaw’s added time header ensured it remained honours even. A point for Aldershot saw them move off the foot of the table, although they went behind at Spotland after George Donnelly broke the deadlock for Dale, early in the second period. When Josh Lillis couldn’t hold on to Ben Herd’s free-kick, Adam Mekki punished Dale midway through the second half, earning The Shots a point in the process.

The spoils were also shared on Good Friday between Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge. Despite a goalless draw, there was plenty of incident and the Bees left the field at the end with nine men. Loanee Karl de Silva was the first to be dismissed when he saw red three minutes from time for his foul on Luke Wilkinson. After the whistle, Keith Hill showed a red to defender Barry Fulller, following his verbal altercation with the official.

To Saturday’s games now, and Devon bragging rights were with Plymouth as they beat neighbours Exeter by a solitary goal. Jason Banton’s 18-yard strike handed Argyle the lead in first half stoppage time, putting them five points clear of the relegation zone. The Grecians stay in seventh at the end of the weekend, four points ahead of Fleetwood who sit outside of the play-offs.

The Cod Army had to come from behind twice to earn a draw against leaders Gillingham. Danny Kedwell opened the scoring for the Gills with his top corner attempt, with Jamille Matt equalising after half an hour for the home side. Charlie Allen nodded Gillingham back in front before the break but Matt doubled his and Fleetwood’s tally for the afternoon, capitalising on a defensive mix-up and slotting the ball home. Despite a single point, Gillingham are now six points clear at the top of League Two.

Burton missed out on the opportunity to move back into the automatic promotion places after their slender loss to Chesterfield. Drew Talbot’s 25-yard strike early in the second half separated the sides.

Meanwhile, York remain in the bottom two although they picked up a point against Bristol Rovers, who are reasonably safe now. The game at the Memorial Stadium ended goalless.

Round two of the Easter games continues on Monday, with a full programme in League Two.

Two minutes with… Dagenham & Redbridge

With a busy Easter period in terms of matches, Dagenham & Redbridge were the visitors to Underhill on Good Friday. Daggers’ fan Nick gives his views in this instalment of ‘two minutes with...’

Pre-match

Had you been to Underhill before?

Yes, I came last season when we drew 2-2 in the midweek match. Mickey Spillane and Scott Doe were the goalscorers for us that day.

How did you get to the game?

We left on the District Line from Barking before changing onto the Northern Line at Embankment. When there we had a quick pint in the Old Red Lion before heading into the ground.

 

The match

Whereabouts in the ground did you sit/stand?

We were stood on the East Terrace which we were allocated alongside the Barnet fans. Despite not being associated with the one game a seasoners who turn up for an imaginary tear up at Barnet, we stood at the back towards the netted segregation line where the atmosphere was. You could say we sat as well, although most of the time one of the Barnet stewards gave us a glare to tell us to get off of the railing. He gave up in the second half though!

What did you make of the game?

It was poor from start to finish really. In the first half I think Barnet edged it without creating too many clear cut opportunities, Jake Hyde’s marginally offside effort being the one I remember clearly. We were definitely the better side in the second half and were unlucky not to take the lead through Elito’s rasping strike. Despite our heavier forward presence in the second half, I’d still say a point apiece was the fair outcome.

Who (from either side) do you think deserved to be man of the match?

No one really stands out in my mind from either side. If I had to pick I’d probably say our centre half Scott Doe who made a number of superb last ditch challenges to deny the Barnet forwards. Although you could argue that for his one world class stop to deny Elito, Graham Stack deserves the award.

 

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

I’d say it was fair, yes. Despite playing better in the second half as I alluded to earlier, I don’t think we created enough to warrant the three points. The closest we came was from a 30 yard strike which tells its own story really – both sides really lacked going forward.

Who do you play next, and how do you think you’ll get on?

Next up for us is Exeter away on Saturday at St James’ Park, a ground that we traditionally never do well at. Taking into account our poor form and the fact we’ve never won at Exeter, I can only see a defeat which will drag us even further into the relegation mire.

 

Ratings

Cost of match day ticket – £13 for me which I thought was reasonable for a concession in the terrace. Certainly a lot better than some grounds in this league –––8/10

Purchases made at ground – I didn’t buy anything in the ground, although I’m informed the programme was of decent quality. The food looked nice enough but again the Barnet caterers ran out of stock before the start of the second half which marks it down somewhat ––– 7/10

View – Apart from the several poles that restricted our view of part of the goals at either end, it was ok. Being a terraced stand which is somewhat old fashioned, it’s to be expected. Although I wasn’t too pleased with the three rather large gentlemen who decided to stand in front of me at the end of the first half ––– 5/10

Quality of football – It wasn’t a particularly good match, played on a tough surface with both sides giving very little away. It was gritty but with flashes of quality throughout ––– 6/10

Overall experience – Taking everything into account, including the fact it’s the last time we’ll ever visit Underhill, I think it was pretty decent. The atmosphere was largely good, the pub before hand was filled with Daggers supporters and I’m more than happy to take a point from the match ––– 7/10

 

Total ––– 33/50

 

You can follow Nick on Twitter @NickMurphyDRFC and be sure to check out his blog for Dagenham match reports and more, ‘The Daggers Scale’.

Two minutes with… Cheltenham Town

Despite the weather and playing conditions, promotion-hopefuls Cheltenham were the visitors to Underhill this weekend. Rubies fan and journalist Mark gives his thoughts in this instalment of Two Minutes With.

Pre-match

Had you been to Underhill before?

This is my fourth or fifth visit, and it is a little sad that it will be my last. I saw Cheltenham win 1-0 there in 1987, the last win we had there, and have seen three league meetings between the sides, resulting in one defeat and now two draws.

How did you get to the game?

Drove through the snow.

The match

Whereabouts in the ground did you sit/stand?

Main stand, in the press box. Had Rob Nothman of BBC Five Live next to me and Talksport’s Moose, Ian Abrahams a seat further on.

What did you make of the game?

It was a farce. It should never have gone ahead, to be honest. Neither side could pass the ball, players could not stand up and the conditions took away any sort of creativity. I cannot remember either side stringing more than three passes together at any point. In the end, I was pleased it ended in a draw as neither side deserved to go away with nothing after trying to play in those conditions.

Who (from either side) do you think deserved to be man of the match?

Michael Hector for Cheltenham was our best player by quite a long way. For Barnet, John Oster was quite influential and I thought Kyle de Silva on the right did quite well when he came on – and the left back Elliott Johnson looks a prospect.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Yes, as neither side strung anything together. Cheltenham hit the post and Sam Deering went close, but neither keeper really had a shot to save.

Who do you play next, and how do you think you’ll get on?

We now have a massive Easter. We play Port Vale away on Friday and Northampton at home on Monday, and we need to get four points from six to still be in the hunt for a top three finish I think.

Ratings

Cost of match day ticket

I had a press pass so it didn’t cost me anything... ––– 10/10

Purchases made at ground

I didn’t buy anything, but others did and said it was ok and good value ––– 7/10

View

Good, as we were in the front row, but the snow got in the way ––– 8/10

Quality of football

Terrible, but the conditions were to blame. Sides deserve a 10 for going out and doing their best, but will have to be ––– 4/10

Overall experience

I love Underhill and I will be sad not to go there again. But I have to say the weather and conditions ruined the day for me and I will have to say ––– 5/10

Total ––– 34/50

Be sure to follow Mark on Twitter @MarkHalliwell1 and check out his blog ‘Cheltenham Town Chatter’.

League Two round-up: 16.03.13

Things are hotting up at both ends of the table, with the gap at the top closed to four points over the weekend; while at the bottom, a single point now separates York in 19^th from the rest of the following pack. This weekend’s round-up begins with those teams currently down among the deadmen: Barnet’s visit to Accrington and AFC Wimbledon’s trip to Aldershot.

A 26 minute first half hat-trick for Accrington’s Lee Molyneux left Barnet with it all to do, and Stanley ended up seeing off their rivals for three vital points. They ended the weekend still rooted to the bottom of the division though. Molyneux’s first came as early as the eighth minute after a mix-up between the Bees’ defenders allowed him to slot past Graham Stack. He doubled the hosts’ lead on 25 minutes, through a powerful long-range effort before completing his treble from the penalty spot after Chiro N’Toko fouled Francis Jeffers. Barnet managed to pull one back before half time, with Elliot Johnson netting his first senior goal for the club. A comeback looked likely when Ross Jenkins’ spectacular overhead kick went in with 25 minutes remaining, but the Bees were reduced to 10 men when player/manager Edgar Davids was shown a second yellow card. Both Barnet and Accrington now sit on 40 points.

As do Aldershot, who occupy the second relegation spot following their narrow defeat to AFC Wimbledon. The Dons took the lead through top scorer Jack Midson’s chip with 72 minutes played and their win was their third in succession.

Of the other teams down in the basement, Plymouth beat play-off hopefuls Fleetwood – victory moving them out of the bottom two – and struggling Torquay earned a valuable point against Southend. Both teams also finished the day on 40 points.  At Home Park, Argyle went into the break with a two goal buffer: Paul Wotton’s penalty handing them the lead midway through the opening period, before Jason Bantam made it two with his low shot from 20-yards. Fleetwood managed to pull one back late on through David Ball, but they ended the game a man light after Paul McKenna was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Meanwhile In Essex, Southend’s late play-off push suffered another blow after they went ahead against Torquay, only to end the game with a solitary point. In the opening 10 minutes the Shrimpers went ahead through fans favourite Freddy Eastwood, but Joss Labadie levelled the scores in first half stoppage time. The Gulls still haven’t won in 11 games.

Moving up to the business end of the table, Port Vale are back to second following their win against out-of-form York. There were also wins for Cheltenham – who beat Rotherham – and Exeter, another of the play-off contenders. A goal in each half for Vale contributed to their first win in six – Jennison Myrie-Williams putting them in front early on. The winger (who hadn’t scored since January) could have made it two had Michael Ingham failed to save his spot kick. Lee Hughes’ close-range effort three minutes after the break sealed the points and puts the pressure back on Gillingham.

Cheltenham’s huge win over Rotherham sees them move up to fourth, the home side going ahead after half an hour through Jermaine McGlashan’s volley. Marlon Pack doubled their lead before the interval, with Steve Elliot later completing the scoring – thanks to a blunder from Millers’ keeper Andy Warrington. Rotherham occupy seventh place with a six point gap between themselves and Southend.

Exeter, too, ran rampant on home soil as they kept their promotion dream alive against Bradford, who will probably have to settle for mid-table after their celebrated cup run. Bantams’ keeper Matt Duke spilt a corner and his own goal put the Grecians in front. The hosts went in at the break with a two-goal advantage with Lawson D’Ath heading home on his debut, after arriving from Reading. Although the travelling side halved the deficit - Kyel Reid from a corner - Exeter killed the game off with two late efforts. Scot Bennett’s close-range attempt restored the Grecians’ two-goal cushion, with John O’Flynn later making it four. Exeter now sit three points from automatic promotion.

Gillingham remain league leaders but they had to come from behind against Morecambe. Jack Redshaw put the Shrimps ahead before half time but his effort was cancelled out by Bradley Dack.

Also at the bottom, Burton slipped to third after their game against Dagenham & Redbridge once again finished a goal apiece. Lee Bell’s deflected shot put the Brewers ahead at Victoria Road, only for Josh Scott to make things level after the break with his solo effort.

Two second half strikes for Bristol Rovers’ Ellis Harrison handed them victory against Rochdale as they continue to climb the table. After firing in from 20 yards out, Dale equalised through Michael Rose, but 10 minutes later Harrison made it two for himself and the Gas: a poorly defended corner allowing him to pounce and slot home. Rovers are now 14^th, while Rochdale lie in 17^th.

There was also a win for Chesterfield at the weekend with a single goal separating them and Oxford. Marc Richards netted as early as the fifth minute for his first goal since January, moving the Spireites within a place of their opponents – they now sit in 10^th and 11^th place respectively.

Wycombe and Northampton’s clash at Adams Park had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

There are six games on Tuesday night:

Accrington v AFC Wimbledon
Bradford v Wycombe
Rochdale v Gillingham
Southend v Plymouth
Torquay v Chesterfield
Barnet v Fleetwood (8pm kick-off)

League Two round-up: 26.02.13

There was midweek action again in League Two this week. Shocks occurred up and down the basement division with defeats for the top two – Gillingham still leading the way, with Port Vale two points behind them. Meanwhile, Southend’s play-off dream slipped at the hands of lowly Barnet, one of a handful of teams looking to push away from the bottom two. But the round-up begins with third-placed Burton Albion who made it eight successive home wins and are now real contenders for automatic promotion.

Five goals were scored at the Pirelli where Albion hosted Morecambe, the first arriving in the game’s opening 20 minutes – Jacques Maghoma the quickest to pounce on a loose ball. The Brewers extended their lead on the stroke of half time through Billy Kee’s close-range header and he doubled his individual tally after the break with a 12-yard volley. The visitors pulled one back in the closing 10 minutes via a Jack Redshaw penalty after Damien McCrory was adjudged to have fouled Chris Holroyd. Although Holroyd also netted for the Shrimps in second half stoppage time, it was too late for them to salvage a point.

A late goal for Oxford away at leaders Gillingham gave them a surprise win, also condemning their hosts to a sixth home defeat of the campaign. Six minutes from time, Alfie Potter latched on to a long ball before slotting into the bottom corner to send the travelling fans home happy. The gap between first and second remains two points with Port Vale also losing at home. Although they finished the game a man light, Exeter move into sixth and are four points off automatic promotion. Two first half goals ensured maximum points for the Grecians and Jamie Cureton notched his 19^th goal of the season when he gave the visitors the lead. He turned in Matt Oakley’s cross after 10 minutes and Oakley was also provider for their second – this time teeing up Danny Coles to bundle home. Mark Moseley saw red for an off-the-ball incident but with 13 minutes remaining Vale failed to capitalise.

A goal in each half gave Barnet a vital win over a Southend side vying for a playoff finish. After a drab first half hour, the game came to life with 33 minutes gone, when Jake Hyde’s back post header gave the Bees the lead. It was the striker’s 10^th of the campaign, more than he registered the previous time he was with the London club. With tickets on sale this week for their JPT final against Crewe Alexandra, maybe Southend had their mind on Wembley already and they found themselves a second goal down late on. Byrne was again provider and Dani Lopez - on loan from Stevenage - prevented Edgar Davids from opening his Barnet account when he made sure the player/manager’s goal-bound effort did, indeed, find the net. The strugglers from Underhill find themselves unbeaten in four matches.

There was also a shock in the North West where Accrington in 23^rd faced their neighbours, mid-table Rochdale. After a goalless opening period at Spotland, Stanley ran rampant and three goals in 10 minutes handed them crucial maximum points.  Substitute Lee Molyneux scored twice with minutes to spare: first a long-range effort that landed in the top corner then a 25-yard freekick. Rommy Boco was on the scoresheet minutes later and the victory for Stanley sees them move out of the bottom two, on goal difference.

At the other end of the table, Northampton’s promotion dream continues as a single goal separated them and Bristol Rovers. The deadlock was broken with only two minutes remaining when, from Ben Tozer’s long throw routine, Ben Harding was on hand to finish. While Town sit a point behind third-placed Burton, down in the basement, the Gas find themselves three points clear of danger.

Torquay continued their recent, alarming slump that has seen them unable to pick up a single point in February. Their latest defeat was their seventh successive setback and has seen the Gulls slide dramatically down the table. However, they did go ahead against Wycombe, a side that have been moving in the opposite direction under player/boss Gareth Ainsworth. Ryan Jarvis converted Billy Bodin’s cross to give the hosts a first half lead. The player/manager himself was at the centre of Wanderers’ late turnaround and the leveller came in the 76^th minute – Sam Wood making the scoresheet. Minutes later Ainsworth set-up Matt McClure this time and his finish completed the comeback. The Chairboys are now in 12^th place, a far cry from their position at the turn of the year.

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, play-off rivals Fleetwood and Cheltenham met, with both sides having to settle for a point. Marlon Pack’s 20-yard effort for the Rubies in the first half was cancelled out by Junior Brown’s 69^th minute header.

The points were also shared between AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth – both teams now languish in the relegation places. A frantic two minutes saw Jason Banton’s low finish give the Football League’s bottom side the lead; the Dons replied almost immediately through Harry Pell’s volley. While Wimbledon are level on points with 22^nd placed Accrington, Plymouth find themselves three points from safety, with a tough game at the weekend.

Rotherham left it late to secure a point against York. The visitors made the breakthrough midway through the second period when Matty Blair rounded Andy Warrington in the Millers’ goal. In the third minute of stoppage time, Steve Evans’ side levelled when Daniel Nardiello turned in Ben Pringle’s cross to aid their continued search for promotion.

Chesterfield and Aldershot played out a goalless draw.

The points were also shared on Wednesday where Bradford grabbed a late equaliser against a John Still-less Dagenham & Redbridge, the Victoria Road gaffer having departed for Luton Town the day before. The Daggers went ahead in the 69^th minute through Luke Howell’s 18-yard strike and would have been winning comfortably had Sam Williams been more accurate with his spot kick. The Bantams drew level with minutes to spare, James Hanson netting from close range.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Southend will hope to return to winning ways against Rotherham, while at the bottom of League Two, Plymouth host Barnet in another six-pointer. Gillingham can extend their lead with maximum points over Aldershot, while sixth meets fourth as Exeter entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Northampton Town.