Notts County moved into the League One playoff places after edging an dramatic game with Crawley Town 5-3 at Meadow Lane.

The Sussex side went three down at the break and fought back in the second half, but a hat-trick from Garry Thompson proved crucial in securing victory for the Magpies.

Preston North End climbed into fourth place after goals from Paul Gallagher and Alan Browne saw off 10-man Port Vale at Deepdale.

Swindon Town needed a late strike from Andy Williams to pick up a point against struggling Yeovil Town and remain third in the table.

The Robins are four points behind Peterborough United, who can thank Conor Washington and Marcus Maddison for helping them come from behind to beat Barnsley at London Road. Posh trail leaders Bristol City, who Fleetwood Town moved closer to the playoff picture with a comfortable victory over Doncaster Rovers at Highbury Stadium, with a second-half strike from David Ball capping off a 3-1 win.

Oldham Athletic maintained their good recent run with a point at fellow promotion chasers Chesterfield. Jonathan Forte's penalty had given the Latics the lead, but they were denied victory by a Sam Clucas equaliser.

Crewe Alexandra remain bottom of the division, but are closer to the pack above them after Adam Dugdale's late strike gave them victory at Walsall.

Scunthorpe United failed to get out of the bottom four as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Colchester United in Mark Robins's first game as manager of the Yorkshire club.

Gillingham are just outside of the relegation zone after Cody MacDonald's late goal earned them a point at Rochdale.

Results in full: Chesterfield 1-1 Oldham Athletic, Coventry City 1-3 Bristol City, Fleetwood Town 3-1 Doncaster Rovers, Leyton Orient 0-0 MK Dons, Notts County 5-3 Crawley Town, Peterborough United 2-1 Barnsley, Preston NE 2-0 Port Vale, Rochdale 1-1 Gillingham, Scunthorpe United 1-1 Colchester United, Walsall 0-1 Crewe Alexandra, Yeovil Town 1-1 Swindon Town, Bradford E-E Sheffield United