Dons postpone Foxes promotion party

12 April 2012

MK Dons postponed Leicester's promotion party by beating Bristol Rovers to keep alive their own chances of a top-two finish in Coca-Cola League One.

The Foxes' dramatic 1-0 win over Leeds at lunchtime had put them within touching distance of promotion but the Dons' 2-1 victory meant Nigel Pearson's league leaders must wait for their return to the Championship to be confirmed.

Roberto di Matteo's Dons side made the breakthrough when Ali Gerba capitalised on some woeful Rovers defending to put the home side ahead after 29 minutes.

The points were effectively sealed for the Dons six minutes after the break when Luke Chadwick made it 2-0 and though Steve Elliott (83) pulled one back, the home side held on for the win.

Earlier, Leicester's closely-fought clash against Leeds seemed set to end in stalemate. However, more than a minute into stoppage time Steve Howard timed his run perfectly to powerfully head home Max-Alain Gradel's corner and send the bumper Walkers Stadium crowd into a frenzy.

Play-off chasing Tranmere enjoyed a 2-1 win at home to Hereford despite finishing with 10 men to leave the Bulls bottom of the table.

Bas Savage's eighth-minute opener put Rovers ahead before Charlie Barnett (26) extended their lead.

However, Ian Goodison's sending-off in the 72nd minute left Tranmere vulnerable and when Steve Guinan scored a penalty two minutes into added time, the home side were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Cheltenham earned a stay of execution and lifted themselves off the bottom with a 1-0 win at home to 10-man Yeovil.

At a nervy Whaddon Road the first half was goalless but Frankie Artus fired home the winner five minutes into the second half. Yeovil tried in vain to mount a fightback but their chances were undermined by Gary Roberts' 79th-minute dismissal for a second booking.

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