MK Dons completely dominated Colchester United at Stadium:MK, beating them 5-1 as Luke Chadwick helped himself to a brace.
Doncaster Rovers were equally impressive in a 4-0 win over Scunthorpe United at the Keepmoat Stadium.
A late equaliser from Brett Pitman earned Bournemouth a point in the 2-2 draw away at Bury, while Brentford helped themselves to a comfortable 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Lauri Dalla Valle scored two goals in three minutes for Crewe Alexandra as they beat Crawley Town 2-0.
Leyton Orient beat Preston North End 2-0, with Kevin Lisbie and Mathieu Baudry scoring the goals for the home side.
League leaders Tranmere Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw away at Stevenage, conceding a late equaliser from Greg Tansey.
Two goals from Mark Beck gave Carlisle United a 3-1 win away at Yeovil Town.
Results in full: Brentford 2-0 Sheffield United, Bury 2-2 Bournemouth, Coventry City 1-1 Portsmouth, Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Crawley Town, Doncaster Rovers 4-0 Scunthorpe United, Leyton Orient 2-0 Preston North End, MK Dons 5-1 Colchester United, Notts County 1-0 Swindon Town, Oldham 1-0 Shrewsbury Town, Stevenage 1-1 Tranmere, Hartlepool 1-1 Walsall, Yeovil 1-3 Carlisle
