9th January 2017

Doncaster Rovers strengthened their leap at the top of the table to four points after defeating promotion-chasing Portsmouth.

John Marquis scored in each half as the Yorkshire outfit recorded an impressive 3-1 victory.

Forward Kurtis Guthrie notched a hat-trick as Colchester United thrashed Carlisle United to continue their excellent form.

Since their loss to Town in November, the U’s have gone eight games unbeaten and risen to sixth in the league.

Barnet also climbed into the play-offs with an away win at Leyton Orient.

The Bees were helped by a brace from Portuguese defender Ricardo Santos, while the loss for Orient sees them slip closer to the relegation zone.

Alan Smith’s first game as Notts County manager ended in humiliation as Morecambe produced their best display of the season to earn three points.

The Shrimps hit four past the Magpies who have now lost ten in a row.

Newport County’s form isn’t much better as Matt Godden’s hat-trick for Stevenage condemned the Welsh club to their eight straight loss.

Born left 2-0 at the break before Godden grabbed his third from the spot. Dan Butler scored a late consolation but it was too little too late.

Mansfield Town cruised to a 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra at Field Mill.

New signing Yoann Arquin ended the Stags’ hoodoo of not scoring in the first half at home all season after just five minutes, before second half goals from Ben Whiteman and Rhys Bennett completed the rout.

Elsewhere, Grimsby Town recorded a 1-0 win over Hartlepool United.