Chasing pack fail to make ground as lesser-lights prove no push-over

Posh dropped from second place to fourth after going down 1-0 at Tranmere, who recorded their first league victory of the season to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Arnaud Mendy was the home side's hero with his first goal in English football, the French midfielder sidefooting home shortly before half-time following good work from Ryan Fraughan.

Carlisle climbed above Peterborough into second place despite being held to a goalless draw by Swindon, who are still looking for their first league win this term.

It could have been worse for United had Charlie Austin not volleyed against the crossbar in the first half or blazed over in stoppage-time when clean through, those missed chances seeing the Robins slip to bottom of the table.

Injuries and international call-ups forced Oldham player-manager Paul Dickov to hand himself a debut, but his substitute appearance could not prevent his side being held to a 1-1 draw by Bristol Rovers.

Will Hoskins put Rovers ahead early on before Chris Taylor levelled on the stroke of half-time. But despite a second yellow card for the visitors' Danny Coles, the Latics were unable to force a win.

Colchester and MK Dons were the big winners in the top half of the table, both lifting themselves into the play-off places with 1-0 victories.

Lewis Guy came off the bench to grab all three points for the Dons against Hartlepool in the lunchtime kick-off, although they did lose captain Dean Lewington to a red card for a last-man foul.

Andy Bond struck seven minutes from time for Colchester to give them victory at Walsall.

Romain Vincelot's double handed Dagenham and Redbridge their first win of the season as they beat Leyton Orient 2-0 to climb out of the relegation zone.

Exeter followed suit with a surprise 1-0 victory over Charlton thanks to Ryan Harley's goal deep into stoppage-time.

Notts County were the day's big winners, thrashing struggling Yeovil 4-0 with goals from Craig Westcarr, Ben Davies (two) and Lee Hughes.

Southampton's topsy-turvy start to the season continued as they lost 2-0 at home to Rochdale, Chris O'Grady and Gary Jones scoring for the visitors.

The south coast club lost manager Alan Pardew last week and have now seen their season slump with a poor home defeat.