Notts County produced a shock as they recorded a 1-0 away win at high-flying Plymouth Argyle.
Jorge Grant netted his third goal in four matches as the Magpies moved eight points clear of the drop zone.
Argyle’s defeat allowed Doncaster Rovers to go six points clear at the top with victory over Cambridge United.
With Donny 3-0 up with 12 minutes remaining, Cambridge scored twice to make it a nervy finish but the league leaders held on for three points.
A late from Danny Wright earned Cheltenham Town another vital win over third-placed Carlisle United.
The Robins dominated proceedings at Whaddon Road and Wright’s effort five minutes from time made their pressure pay off.
Portsmouth missed the chance to move into a automatic promotion spot at the expense of Carlisle after being held by Morecambe at Fratton Park.
Kai Naismith initially gave the hosts the lead but Lee Molyneux’s late equaliser halted Pompey’s charge towards the top three.
Stevenage moved into the play-off places with a convincing win over lowly Leyton Orient.
Born netted four times at Broadhall Way in wet conditions to condemn Orient to their eighth defeat in 10.
Adebayo Akinfenwa’s double wasn’t enough for Wycombe Wanderers to claim victory at Accrington Stanley.
The Chairboys are now winless in six while Stanley drop to 21st in the table.
Kyle Vassell scored in injury time to salvage a point for Blackpool against Barnet.
The Bees were winning 2-0 just after half-time but Nathan Delfouneso’s goal just shy of the hour and Vassell’s finish in the dying embers of the contest earned the Tangerines a deserved point.
Hartlepool United ran riot at Victoria Park by scoring four against a poor Crewe Alexandra.
Lewis Alessandra netted twice as the Monkey Hangers cruised to victory and moved six points clear of the bottom two.
Elsewhere, Grimsby Town defeated Colchester United at Blundell Park while Exeter City cemented sixth spot with an away win against Crawley Town.