LOCAL rivals Southend United continued their swift ascent of the League One table with a 2-1 win at managerless Port Vale on Saturday.

Leon Clarke and Alan McCormack (pictured) netted for the Shrimpers to give them a fourth successive victory.

Steve Tilson's men now have 15 points and are only behind second-placed Tranmere Rovers on goal difference.

The Merseysiders needed a last gasp equaliser from Gareth Taylor to rescue a point against Northampton Town at the weekend. Goals from Andy Kirk and Poul Hubertz put the Cobblers in control, but Tranmere hit back in the second half.

Carlisle United continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-1 win at AFC Bournemouth. Joe Garner scored twice as the Cumbrians moved up to fourth.

Fifth-placed Hartlepool United failed to build on last week's victory over the O's, falling victim to a late Paul Hall goal as Walsall moved out of the bottom four.

Another of the newly-promoted clubs, Swindon Town, currenlty occupy the last play-off spot after becoming the latest club to beat struggling Millwall.  Simon Cox and Jerel Ifil were on target in the Robins' 2-1 success.

Nottingham Forest are starting to motor and goals from Luke Chambers, Junior Agogo and Kris Commons landed a fine 3-0 victory away at Yeovil Town, who are one place above the Tricky Trees in seventh.

Luke Beckett and Danny Cadamarteri scored in Huddersfield Town's 2-0 win over Luton Town, who will be disappointed to find themselves 16th in the table after eight games.

Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion battled out a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium. The point was the first that the Seagulls have picked up on their travels this term.

Lewis Guy and Matt Mills scored to ease the pressure on Doncaster Rovers boss Sean O'Driscoll as the Keepmoat Stadium club defeated Cheltenham Town 2-0.

Oldham Athletic came from 2-0 down to beat Crewe Alexandra 3-2 at Boundary Park. Midfielder Neil Kilkenny struck the winning goal in the final minute.

And finally, there was plenty of controversy as Leeds United's winning run came to an end at Gillingham. Tresor Kandol and Jermaine Beckford were both sent off for the Yorkshiremen, but they still seemed set to take the points thanks to Seb Carole's goal.

But Ian Cox levelled in the final minute, angering Leeds boss Dennis Wise, who was earlier sent to the stands and will report referee Danny McDermid for swearing at him.