The 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United ended a run of four straight defeats, but Leyton Orient's impressive win at Swindon Town meant the Iron remain in the final position.
Lee Cook struck to secure Orient's first points of the season, sweeping the ball home at the near post on the hour mark at the County Ground.
Notts County needed a late Lee Hughes strike to seal a 3-2 victory over Shrewsbury that placed them at the top of the table
All five goals arrived in a thrilling second half that saw Hughes break the deadlock with three minutes to spare.
County replaced Tranmere at the top of the table after Rovers were held to a goalless draw by Crewe.
Third-placed Yeovil also lost ground after losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth, with Richard Hughes firing the visitors to their first away victory of 2012.
Farid El Alagui netted a late winner for Brentford as they prevailed 1-0 over Colchester in a game of wasted chances.
El Alagui finally ended the stalemate with two minutes to go, powering home a close-range header from Harry Forrester's cross.
Dominant Preston are unbeaten in their last five league and cup games after cruising to a 2-1 victory at Lancashire rivals Bury.
Akpo Sodje stooped to head home Scott Laird's corner and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff nodded in a second for North End, before Joe Skarz scored a stoppage time consolation.
Dean Holden's first-half strike secured Walsall a 1-0 triumph over MK Dons.