With four sides still living it up in the FA Cup and Tranmere’s game snowed off, the majority of the weekend’s remaining League One fixtures were of importance at the bottom end of the table.

You’d have bet on 0-0 as the most likely score line at Fratton Park where Portsmouth and Hartlepool, two sides who in all honesty have been absolutely hopeless this season, clashed.

Well, had you made that bet you’d of lost, as Pool walked away with a rare three points following a 3-1 victory.

Without a win in 15 games, Pompey’s plight looks all the more desperate, but for bottom place Hartlepool there is just the tiniest glimmer of hope to cling to.

Scunthorpe are back in the bottom four after a 1-1 draw at Carlisle, who remain a healthy seven points clear of the drop zone.

U’s defy the odds

The form book was well and truly chucked out of the window in North Essex, as Colchester, on a run of nine straight losses, beat in-form Walsall.

It was Jabo Ibehre, formerly a fan’s favourite with the Saddlers, who did the damage. The big striker opened the scoring on 79 minutes, before Freddie Sears grabbed a goal to make it 2-0.

The U’s, who have stuck by manager Joe Dunne, move above Scunthorpe and out of the relegation zone on goal-difference.

Another key clash at the bottom took place at the New Meadow where Shrewsbury and Bury drew 0-0. Neither side is likely to be particularly happy with a point.

Pressure grows on Westley

Graham Westley’s Preston could soon be looking over their shoulder towards the drop zone if they don’t start winning at home.

A 2-2 draw with Coventry makes it ten without a win at Deepdale and the locals are getting restless.

There was a home win at Brisbane Road, as Leyton Orient beat Notts County 2-1, ending the Magpie’s 22 game unbeaten run on the road.

The only member of the top six to feature this weekend was Bournemouth. The Cherries are now up to fifth after a Brett Pitman hat-trick gave them a 3-1 victory at home to Crewe.

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