Swindon Town picked up a hard-fought victory over Barnsley to move back into the League One automatic promotion places.
Raphael Branco's early strike gave the Robins an early advantage and Ben Gladwin added a second for the Wiltshire club, who leapfrog MK Dons in the table.
The Dons missed the chance to take top spot after being held to a goalless draw by leaders Bristol City, although Karl Robinson's men may feel that Luke Ayling should have been red-carded late on for what appeared to be a deliberate hand ball.
Preston North End closed the gap on the promotion places after Kevin Davies's first-half strike earned the Lilywhites a win against struggling Coventry City.
Chesterfield showed that they can cope without top scorer Eoin Doyle since his move to Cardiff City as Caolan Lavery's goal helped the Spireites to three points at Notts County.
Bradford City, who face Premier League Sunderland in the FA Cup fifth round, were denied victory at Port Vale after Michael O'Connor snatched a point from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Jordan Pickford was given a straight red card for the hosts in the dying moments.
The Bantams leapfrog Sheffield United after late goals from Jermaine McGlashan and Cody McDonald saw the Blades beaten by Gillingham.
However, it was Oldham Athletic who ended the day in the top six after a late Carl Winchester strike gave the Latics an away victory at Scunthorpe United.
Peterborough United were denied a third straight victory after Mark Roberts equalised 12 minutes from time to earn Fleetwood Town a point at Highbury Stadium.
Walsall are now only three points away from a playoff place after goals from Jordan Cook and Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila saw them to victory over Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Crewe Alexandra boosted their hopes of League One survival after edging a five-goal thriller at Colchester United which sees the Railwaymen move four points clear of the drop zone.
Yeovil Town adjusted to life without Gary Johnson by beating Crawley Town at Huish Park, a result which sees the Somerset club move above Crawley in the table.
That result also means that Leyton Orient drop to the foot of the table without kicking a ball after their game at Rochdale was postponed.
Results in full: Colchester United 2–3 Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town 1–1 Peterborough United, Gillingham 2–0 Sheffield United, MK Dons 0–0 Bristol City, Notts County 0 1 Chesterfield, Port Vale 2–2 Bradford City, Preston North End 1–0 Coventry City, Rochdale P-P Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe United 0–1 Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town 2–0 Barnsley, Yeovil Town 2–1 Crawley Town
Chris O'Keefe
