Southend remain level on points with the leaders after a Mark Bentley double saw them run out 2-1 victors at Gillingham.
Huddersfield failed to keep up with them after seeing James Hayter rescue a point for Bournemouth with a brace at the Galpharm Stadium.
Port Vale fought back from 2-0 down to beat Walsall 3-2 at Vale Park.
Brentford beat Rotherham 2-1 at Griffin Park, to get their promotion push back on track.
Chesterfield moved into the play-off positions with a 2-1 win over Colchester.
MK Dons built on their midweek win over the Iron with a 3-1 success over bottom side Swindon Town.
The Dons were unable to catch up with Bristol City, as the Robins lost 1-0 at home to Hartlepool.
Nottingham Forest beat Tranmere at the City Ground, with Gareth Taylor grabbing the only goal of the game 20 minutes from full-time.
Barnsley thrashed Oldham 4-0 at Oakwell, with Chris Shuker scoring twice after Daniel Nardiello and Martin Devaney had netted.
Doncaster rescued a point against Bradford at Belle Vue, fighting back from 2-0 down.