Cardiff City missed the chance to move to the brink of promotion but struck late to deny Huddersfield Town a vital win in the Sky Bet League One play-off race.

Yousef Salech headed an added-time equaliser as the second-placed Bluebirds rescued a point, extending Huddersfield’s unbeaten home run to 15 games but leaving them frustrated in their pursuit of the top six.

Ryan Ledson had earlier fired the Terriers into a deserved lead midway through the first half, side-footing home from the edge of the area.

Cardiff dominated possession for long spells but struggled to test former keeper Jak Alnwick, before Salech struck at the far post in the fifth of eight added minutes.

The draw leaves Huddersfield four points adrift of sixth-placed Stevenage, having played a game more, while Cardiff must wait until Saturday for another opportunity to seal promotion.

Bolton Wanderers delivered one of the performances of the season by dismantling Stevenage 5-1 to throw the play-off race wide open.

Amario Cozier‑Duberry netted twice, either side of half-time, while Johnny Kenny also found the net before Dan Kemp briefly reduced the deficit for Boro, despite Steve Evans’ side being reduced to 10 men.

Late strikes from Ruben Rodrigues and Mason Burstow capped a dominant display that underlined Bolton’s promotion credentials.

At the BetWright Stadium, Leyton Orient and Mansfield Town played out a goalless draw in a contest short on clear-cut chances.

Lucas Akins and Ryan Sweeney went closest for the visitors, while Orient’s best opening fell to Dom Ballard, who fired wide late on in a disappointing encounter.

Port Vale climbed off the bottom of the table after earning a goalless draw with Barnsley, with goalkeeper Joe Gauci the standout performer.

The former Tykes stopper saved Adam Phillips’ second-half penalty and made several fine saves to deny his old club, as Vale kept alive their mathematical survival hopes despite remaining well adrift of safety.

At the bottom end, Rotherham United were relegated to League Two following a 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic.

The Latics strengthened their own survival hopes with a commanding display, extending their winning run to three matches.

Captain Jason Kerr opened the scoring early on before Joe Taylor doubled the lead after the break.

Callum Wright added a third moments later as Wigan moved eight points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.

Cardiff held despite late rescue as Bolton run riot

Cardiff held despite late rescue as Bolton run riot