Draw keeps United on track

Last updated : 26 March 2006 By Luke Thornhill
With just nine games left to play, it means the Iron would need to slip-up spectacularly to be drawn back into the relegation battle.

Hartlepool suffered after a 3-0 loss at title-chasing Southend. Freddy Eastwood netted a brace for the Shrimpers, after Mark Gower had opened the scoring.

It means they slip into the drop zone, with Rotherham escaping thanks to a 3-1 success over Bristol City at Millmoor.

Jonathan Forte's brace, coupled with Paul Shaw's strike, sealed the win for the Yorkshire side.

Walsall remain in the bottom four - and were denied a win against Bradford thanks to a stunning late strike from veteran defender David Wetherall.

Kevin James and Chris Westwood had put the Saddlers ahead, with the Bantams' Mark Bower pulling one back before Wetherall struck with an overhead kick.

Gillingham continued their revival with an impressive 1-0 home win over Swansea, with Darren Byfield scoring from the spot to move the Kent side on to 47 points.

MK Dons remain rooted to the foot of the table after a 3-0 drubbing at Nottingham Forest.

Trent McClenahan's own goal put Forest ahead, before Gary Holt and Ian Breckin made the game safe.

Swindon gave themselves hope as Jamie Cureton's double earned them a 2-0 win over Chesterfield.

Brentford dropped out of the autpmatic promotion places after a 1-0 home loss to Doncaster.

Sean Thornton scored the winning goal for Rovers, condemning the Bees to their third defeat in eight days.

Huddersfield took advantage to claim second spot, even though they were held to a 1-1 draw at Port Vale.

Michael Cummins put the Valiants ahead, but Andy Booth got the vital equaliser for the Terriers.

Barnsley and Bournemouth played out a goalless draw at Dean Court.

Luke Beckett grabbed a hat-trick as Oldham beat Blackpool 3-1 - Keith Southern got the consolation for the Seasiders.

Chris Greenacre's late strike earned Tranmere a point in a 2-2 draw at Yeovil.

Matt Harrold scored twice for the Glovers, with Ian Goodison also on the mark for Rovers.