Iron now nine points clear

Last updated : 19 March 2006 By Daniel Elwes

The three points - courtesy of goals from Richie Hinds and Andy Crosby - also saw the Iron climb one place to 11th in the table.

Gillingham's hopes of survival took a battering at Bristol City, with the Kent side still occupying the final drop spot after a 6-0 rout.

Louis Carey (two), Steve Brooker, Cole Skuse, Luke Wilkshire and Mark McCammon sealed the win for the Robins, who climb up to 12th - and virtually ended their relegation fears.

MK Dons remain bottom of the table, but gave their survival hopes a boost with a 2-1 success over League leaders Southend.

The Shrimpers took the lead through Shaun Goater, but Gary Smith and Scott Taylor sealed the turnaround.

The controversial franchise side, however, remain five points adrift from fifth-bottom side Yeovil - who went down 1-0 at Bournemouth.

Blackpool moved three points clear of the bottom four with a 1-0 win over Port Vale at Bloomfield Road.

Swindon's woes increased with a 1-0 loss to Colchester, for whom Chris Iwelumo scored from the penalty spot.

Rotherham were also unable to strengthen their survivial hopes, despite taking the lead against Huddersfield - they ended up losing 4-1.

Oldham were 4-1 winners at Bradford, while Barnsley moved into the play-off spots after a 1-1 stalemate with Hartlepool.

Nottingham Forest beat Doncaster 2-1, with Kris Commons and Grant Holt scoring.