Lincoln achieved promotion to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 1961 with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Reading, who are chasing playoff spots in League One.
With just a point needed to confirm their return to the second tier after 65 years, Lincoln got off to a strong start, taking the lead in the fifth minute thanks to Ryan One.
Reading equalized in the second minute of stoppage time with a goal from a Lewis Wing free kick, but Jack Moylan snatched back the lead just four minutes later.
In another match, Harry Leonard’s goal ensured a 1-1 draw for Peterborough against Cardiff, who slipped further in the promotion race with only two wins in their last eight matches. The gap to third place, now held by Bradford, has narrowed to seven points.
Bradford overcame Wycombe 2-1 at Adams Park, with Aden Baldwin scoring in the second half to boost their playoff chances, after Bobby Pointon equalized to cancel out Andre Vidigal’s early goal for Wycombe, who fell to 11th place.
A thrilling clash between Bolton and Stockport ended in a 2-2 draw, effectively eliminating both teams from automatic promotion contention, highlighted by a late own goal from Ben Osborn that leveled the match.
Stevenage climbed back into playoff contention with a narrow 1-0 victory against Blackpool, courtesy of a goal from Harvey White in the 66th minute. Meanwhile, seventh-placed Plymouth kept the pressure on after a commanding 3-0 win at Barnsley.
Luton maintained their playoff aspirations with a decisive 3-0 win at AFC Wimbledon, while Burton secured a valuable point in their relegation battle with a goalless draw at Mansfield. Wigan moved closer to safety with a significant 3-1 victory over Northampton at Sixfields.
Exeter ended a frustrating 15-match winless streak with an emphatic 3-0 win over Doncaster, boosting their survival hopes, while Leyton Orient suffered a 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield.
In League Two, MK Dons were unable to capitalize on leaders Barrow’s inactivity, settling for a 1-1 draw against Oldham, with Mike Fondop equalizing late after Marvin Ekpiteta had initially put Dons ahead.
Lucas Ness scored his first two goals as Notts County secured a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Newport County, propelling them into the top three. Cheltenham briefly halted Cambridge’s automatic promotion ambitions with a late own goal from Jake Eastwood that resulted in a 1-1 draw.
Swindon’s late goals from Fletcher Holman and Aaron Drinan completed a comeback victory over Walsall, while Salford faced a setback in their automatic playoff pursuit with a 1-0 loss at Crewe. Chesterfield also earned a 1-0 victory against Barrow.
Grimsby’s push for the playoffs received a boost with a 2-0 win over ten-man Crawley, thanks to first-half strikes from Jaze Kabia and Harvey Rodgers. Gillingham triumphed 2-0 against Accrington, and Ellis Harrison’s two goals led Bristol Rovers to a dynamic 3-2 win over Harrogate.
Barnet moved closer to playoff contention, demolishing Fleetwood 5-2, while Grimsby secured a 2-0 win at Crawley. Tranmere faced a tough loss at home, going down 1-0 to Colchester.