Southend went six points clear at the top of League One after an emphatic 3-0 win at local derby rivals and promotion hopefuls Colchester. Despite leading the division, the Shrimpers were 11/5 outsiders on the day but made a mockery of the odds with three goals in the opening half hour.

Top goalscorer Fredy Eastwood broke the deadlock with his seventeenth goal of the season after 11 minutes while Kevin Maher added a second 10 minutes later. Che Wilson got the third for Steve Tilsons side after 32 minutes to wrap up the victory.

Second placed Huddersfield saw two points slip at home to Doncaster. Favourites on the day at 4/5, the Terriers took the lead after eight minutes through Marton McIntosh but Jason Price levelled after 15 minutes. David Graham gave Huddersfield the lead again five minutes before the break but Paul Green ensured a point after 57 minutes.

A frantic second half between play-off hopefuls Barnsley and Swansea culminated in a 2-2 draw at Oakwell. After a goalless first half, Andy Robinson headed the 11/5 Swansea in front three minutes after the interval but the 11/10 Tykes hit back quickly through Daniel Nardiello on 56 and a Marc Richards penalty on 61. Lee Trundle snatched a point for the visitors after 64 minutes.

Yeovil boosted their survival hopes with a stunning 3-0 win at play-off chasers Chesterfield. The 7/2 Glovers day started badly when on-loan midfielder Tommy Doherty limped off 10 minutes into his debut but Welsh forward Arron Davies put the away side into the lead after 37 minutes. The former Southampton and Barnsley striker sealed an unlikely win and completed his hat-trick with two further goals in stoppage time.

Mid-table Bristol City dented Nottingham Forests fast fading play-off hopes with a 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate. James Perch gave 7/4 Forest the lead after 66 minutes but Alex Russells first goal of the season levelled matters with 12 minutes remaining.