United won six-pointer: Robin's fly

Jacob Murphy scored one goal and made another as the U's moved to within five points of safety, leaving their opponents languishing adrift at the foot of the table.

Murphy, on loan from Norwich, won a penalty for David Fox to score early in the second half and then netted himself as the Essex club halted a four-game losing run.

Crawley were also big winners in the bottom four as they twice came from behind to win 3-2 at Port Vale and move to within two points of safety.

Anthony Wordsworth and Izale McLeod cancelled out a couple of goals from Louis Dodds before Richard Wood headed the winner for the Red Devils.

At the top of the standings, Bristol City continued to show a clean pair of heels to the chasing pack as they defeated Crewe 3-0 at Ashton Gate.

Aaron Wilbraham got the ball rolling for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy finalists while further goals from Aden Flint and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas kept the Robins 11 points clear at the summit.

Preston stay second after goals from Daniel Johnson and Jermaine Beckford gave them a 2-0 home win over Peterborough, who lost for the first time under Dave Robertson.

An injury-time strike by Jonathan Obika kept Swindon on the coat-tails of the top two as Mark Cooper's men won 2-1 at Doncaster. Curtis Main put Rovers in front but Michael Smith equalised from the penalty spot before Obika snatched the victory for the visitors.

MK Dons won for the first time in five matches to consolidate their place in the play-off positions. Dean Bowditch, Daniel Powell and Ben Reeves gave the Milton Keynes side a comfortable lead at Oldham, who pulled a goal back through Rhys Turner as it ended 3-1.

Chesterfield kept their play-off hopes alive with a 3-0 home win over Gillingham. Sam Clucas scored either side of a Jay O'Shea goal for the Spireites.

Walsall, who will face Bristol City at Wembley later this month, drew 1-1 with Sheffield United. Jose Baxter gave the Blades the lead but substitute Ashley Grimes equalised for the Saddlers.

Late goals from Dominic Samuel and Frank Nouble saw Coventry continue to improve under Tony Mowbray as they won 2-0 at Fleetwood.

Notts County lost 2-1 at home to Rochdale, despite taking the lead through Garry Thompson's header. However, Ian Henderson and Peter Vincenti struck for Dale.

Finally, Leyton Orient and Barnsley contested a goalless draw at Brisbane Road, where Milan Lalkovic was sent off for the Tykes in injury-time.

Posted in: Football