Carlisle United now just a point adrift in relegation zone

Carlisle United are now just one point adrift in the League Two relegation zone as rivals slipped up.

After the Blues won 1-0 at Salford City in their early kick-off to close the gap, certain results went their way in the 3pm round of games.

Swindon Town, who lost 3-1 at MK Dons, are now just a point above the Blues in third bottom position.

That result consolidated a much-needed positive afternoon for 23rd-placed Carlisle in their battle to improve their situation at the wrong end of League Two.

United are now on 11 points after Ben Barclay's late header at Salford earned them victory.

That kept them off the bottom after 24th-placed Morecambe, in their early kick-off, struck in added time to win 2-1 at Accrington Stanley.

Carlisle, having reduced the gap from four to one point, then waited for the rest of the day's games to see if their position would be affected.

Swindon went on to lose a first-minute lead at MK Dons, Harry Smith's early strike overturned by Mike Williamson's former club thanks to goals from Kane Thompson-Sommers, MJ Williams and Alex Gilbey.

Ian Holloway's Swindon are now just a point above United (Image: PA)

United have also made ground on others in the League Two struggle, with Colchester United now just two points above the Blues despite earning a late 1-1 draw at Barrow.

Lyle Taylor struck in added time for the U's at Holker Street after Elliot Newby's opener for the south Cumbrians. Colchester have played one game fewer than Carlisle.

United are now four points behind fifth-bottom Harrogate after the Suphurites' defeat to Morecambe, for whom Harvey Macadam hit a late winner after Rhys Williams' opener had been cancelled out by James Daly.

Also on 15 points are next weekend's opponents Bromley, who drew 1-1 at Cheltenham, Omar Sowunmi earning a point for the Ravens after Ethon Archer's goal, Bromley also having Carl Jenkinson sent off, leaving the ex-Arsenal man suspended for Carlisle's visit.

Other strugglers picked up wins, with Accrington Stanley winning 3-0 at Chesterfield thanks to goals from Josh Woods, Zach Awe and Jimmy Knowles to go 18th, five points above United.

Tranmere Rovers also boosted their prospects with a 2-1 home win over Newport County, Connor Jennings and Kieron Morris rendering Kyle Hudlin's Exiles goal a consolation, the Wirral side six points above United in 17th.

Other games in the division saw Grimsby Town win 1-0 at AFC Wimbledon through Danny Rose's goal, while Walsall drew 1-1 with Crewe Alexandra as Nathan Lowe cancelled out Omar Bogle's goal.

Jayden Clarke's goal earned Gillingham a 1-0 win over leaders Port Vale, Ronan Coughlan's penalty saw Fleetwood Town defeat Bradford City 1-0, and Doncaster Rovers drew 1-1 with Notts County, Joe Ironside earning a point for the hosts after Alassana Jatta's Magpies opener.