Nick Powell's early goal gave League One leaders Wigan a narrow 1-0 win over lowly Northampton at Sixfields.
The former Manchester United midfielder headed in a cross from Nathan Byrne in the fifth minute for his 11th goal of the season.
Second-placed Shrewsbury remain two points behind after Shaun Whalley's strike sank Oldham 1-0.
Whalley followed in to snaffle the rebound after Abu Ogogo's shot was palmed out by Latics 'keeper Johnny Placide.
Blackburn slipped up in third after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Rotherham.
Bradley Dack fired Rovers into the lead with a 66th-minute goal but David Ball struck a minute from time to snatch a point.
A goal four minutes from the end from Charlie Goode secured a 1-0 victory for fourth-placed Scunthorpe at home to basement-side Bury,
Bradford made it back-to-back wins as they came from behind to beat Fleetwood 2-1.
Jack Sowerby fired the hosts ahead but second-half goals from Alex Gilliead and Shay McCartan secured the points for the Bantams.
Portsmouth were stunned by two late goals from Bristol Rovers.
Pompey were leading through Oliver Hawkins' header but Stuart Sinclair equalised with six minutes remaining and Liam Sercombe hit a last-minute winner.
Peterborough missed the chance to climb into the play-off places after Ben Whiteman's injury-time equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Doncaster.
Charlton's promotion hopes were dealt another blow with a 2-1 defeat at home to Gillingham.
Josh Parker and Tom Eaves put the Gills two up after half an hour and Charlton could only muster Joe Aribo's late header in response.
Goals from Wes Thomas, Gino Van Kessel and Jon Obika gave Oxford a 3-1 win over MK Dons, while Plymouth beat Walsall 1-0 courtesy of Ryan Taylor's strike.
Liam Trotter and Tom Soares were on target as Wimbledon beat Southend 2-0 and Blackpool were 2-1 winners at struggling Rochdale.