Carlisle United's gap to safety remains seven points - but some of their rivals pulled further clear.

The Blues' 1-0 defeat in their early kick-off against Bradford City cost Mike Williamson's side the chance to close the gap.

Some of their nearest rivals, in the 3pm games, failed to take advantage...but others did.

Tranmere Rovers are third bottom, seven points above rock-bottom United, after losing 2-0 at AFC Wimbledon thanks to goals from Josh Neufville and Matty Stevens (pen).

Also remaining on 25 points are Accrington Stanley, who went down to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Notts County, George Abbott and David McGoldrick (two) netting for the Magpies.

How the bottom end of League Two looks after January 18's games (Image: Google)

Swindon Town, though, moved ten points clear of the Cumbrians with a 2-0 win over Barrow, with Nnamdi Ofoborh and Harry Smith sinking the Bluebirds.

That followed a similar victory for Harrogate Town over Cheltenham Town on Friday night, through own-goals from Luke Young and Scot Bennett, which also sees the Sulphurites ten points above the Blues. Out-of-sorts Barrow are similarly placed now.

Newport County are now fifth bottom, nine points north of United after losing 3-2 at Port Vale, Bobby Kamwa and Cameron Evans' goals overturned by Ben Garrity, Jayden Stockley and Jeheim Headley for the Valiants.

Carlisle's difficulty is increased by the fact both Newport and Accrington have a game in hand on the Blues.

Second-bottom Morecambe, meanwhile, are still two points above Carlisle and five from safety after a 1-0 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra, Chris Long with the winner for the Railwaymen.

Elsewhere in League Two, leaders Walsall defeated MK Dons 4-2 thanks to goals from David Okagbue, Liam Gordon, Harry Williams and Albert Adomah, with Scott Hogan and Kane Thompson-Sommers replying for the visitors.

Luke Molyneux's goal earned Doncaster Rovers a 1-0 win at Gillingham, while Salford City lost 2-0 at home to Fleetwood Town, Ronan Coughlan and Brendan Wiredu with the early goals for the visitors, for whom former Blues midfielder Harrison Neal was an unused substitute following his move this week.

Grimsby Town and Chesterfield drew 1-1 at Blundell Park, Jordan Davies' strike for the hosts cancelled out by Tom Naylor.

Owura Edwards' goal, meanwhile, earned Colchester United a 1-0 win at Bromley.