Play-off chasers stumble

Bury, Port Vale, Chesterfield and Northampton are all still in contention for the top seven in Coca-Cola League Two but their play-off hopes were hit by defeats on Saturday.

The Shakers were celebrating their 125th anniversary but the party spirit must have been lacking after a 3-0 home defeat by Torquay while Port Vale were thrashed 4-0 by promoted Bournemouth.

Chesterfield's miserable run continued with a 2-0 defeat at Accrington while Northampton were beaten by the same score at Bradford.

Mustapha Carayol (37), Danny Stevens (88) and Scott Rendell (90) grabbed the goals for Torquay.

All of Bournemouth's goals came in the second half through Brett Pitman, Alan Connell (two) and Josh McQuoid.

That was good enough to lift the Cherries into second place because long-time leaders Rochdale were beaten 2-1 by Burton. Cleveland Taylor's opener and a penalty from Shaun Harrad won it for Albion despite Chris O'Grady's reply 11 minutes from time.

Billy Kee (70, 88) was the man who put Chesterfield to the sword for Accrington while Gareth Evans also netted a winning brace for Bradford against the Cobblers.

Bottom side Darlington picked up their fifth away win of the season at Macclesfield thanks to goals from Ian Miller (9) and Michael Smith (79).

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