League One round-up: Blackburn and Shrewsbury keep up their promotion push with narrow wins

Blackburn moved to the top of the table as Wigan’s seven-match unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One came to an end at the hands of Portsmouth.

The Latics had slipped from top to third before kick-off in their evening game at Fratton Park and stayed there after being beaten 2-1 by in-form Pompey.

Brett Pitman gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot five minutes before half-time and Jamal Lowe added a second in the 55th minute.

Portsmouth’s Jamal Lowe celebrates scoring in his side’s 2-1 victory over Wigan at Fratton Park

Shaun Whalley scored twice for high-flyers Shrewsbury in their win over Oxford on Monday

Shaun Whalley scored twice for high-flyers Shrewsbury in their win over Oxford on Monday

Whalley celebrates as his goals ensure they keep pace with  League One promotion-chasers

Whalley celebrates as his goals ensure they keep pace with League One promotion-chasers

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Will Grigg’s 20th goal of the season set up an exciting finale but Portsmouth were not to be denied a fourth-straight victory that leaves them outside the play-off places on goal difference.

Blackburn had earlier won 2-1 at MK Dons. Adam Armstrong hit a first-half brace and Tony Mowbray’s side held on for victory despite Peter Pawlett pulling one back for the hosts, who dropped into the relegation zone.

Shrewsbury now lie second after Shaun Whalley’s brace helped them see off Oxford 3-2 at New Meadow.

Jon Nolan also got onto the scoresheet for Paul Hurst’s men while Wes Thomas and Joe Rothwell netted for Oxford.

Blackburn sit on 82 points, a point clear of Shrewsbury – who have played a game more – while Wigan are on 80 with a game in hand on Rovers.

Adam Armstrong bagged himself a brace to fire Blackburn back to the top of League One

Adam Armstrong bagged himself a brace to fire Blackburn back to the top of League One

Charlton made it three wins out of three under Lee Bowyer as they beat fourth-place Rotherham 3-1 at the Valley to move into the play-off places.

Michal Zyro opened the scoring for the Addicks and Joe Aribo scored twice before Richard Wood registered a consolation for out-of-form Rotherham.

Peterborough also entered the play-off positions, moving up to fifth with a 2-0 win against Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s beleaguered Northampton.

Jack Baldwin and Jack Marriott scored the goals to secure three points for Posh, while Ash Taylor’s late red card for Northampton only added extra gloom to a side that have not won in nine games.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer celebrates his side's third win in a row after beating Rotherham 3-1

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer celebrates his side’s third win in a row after beating Rotherham 3-1

Both Charlton and Peterborough took advantage of Scunthorpe’s game at home to Plymouth being called off due to a waterlogged pitch, the Iron dropping to eighth as a result.

Walsall’s trip to Bradford and Doncaster’s home clash with AFC Wimbledon also fell foul of the weather.

Oldham boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 comeback win at home to Blackpool.

Kyle Vassell had given the visitors the lead at Boundary Park but goals from Jack Byrne and Eoin Doyle, the latter with just five minutes remaining, were enough to take Oldham a point clear of MK Dons.

Southend thrashed 10-man Gillingham 4-0. Michael Turner, Theo Robinson, Michael Kightly and Stephen McLaughlin all struck in the first period, while Gills’ Lee Martin was sent off on the stroke of half-time.

Fleetwood also beat 10 men as they hit two late goals to win 2-0 at home to Bristol Rovers. Ashley Hunter and Jordy Hiwula scored inside the last 12 minutes after Chris Lines was shown two yellow cards for dissent in quick succession.

Lee Martin earns a red card for his challenge on Southend's Theo Robinson

Lee Martin earns a red card for his challenge on Southend’s Theo Robinson



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