It was a significant night at the foot of Sky Bet League One, with all three matches shaping the relegation battle.

AFC Wimbledon deepened Port Vale’s troubles with a late winner, Northampton closed the gap to safety with a hard‑earned draw at Barnsley, and Doncaster climbed out of the bottom four after edging Burton in a tense six‑pointer.

Port Vale 0–1 AFC Wimbledon

A late Callum Maycock strike dealt another blow to bottom‑placed Port Vale, who remain 10 points from safety after a narrow defeat at Vale Park.

Maycock struck in the 88th minute with AFC Wimbledon’s first shot on target, securing their first win at Vale since 2012.
Vale’s ongoing lack of cutting edge was again evident — they have scored just 20 goals in 27 league games, and despite two headed efforts on target from Ben Garrity and Connor Hall, Nathan Bishop was barely troubled.

Wimbledon also saw first‑half penalty appeals turned down for challenges on Junior Nkeng and Zack Nelson, while James Tilley fired into the side-netting during their stronger attacking spells.

Vale now look to new signing Andre Gray for inspiration as their survival chances grow increasingly slim.

Barnsley 2–2 Northampton Town

Northampton moved to within a point of safety after ending their four‑match losing run with a spirited draw at Barnsley.

Nesta Guinness‑Walker put the Cobblers ahead inside three minutes, capitalising after Owen Goodman spilled Cameron McGeehan’s strike.
Barnsley responded with David McGoldrick heading in a Scott Banks free‑kick before the veteran delivered a pinpoint cross moments after Adam Phillips came on, allowing the substitute to make it 2–1.

Max Dyche levelled for Northampton 10 minutes later, punishing poor defending and securing a valuable point.
The result lifts Barnsley to 14th, while Northampton stay second-bottom but inch closer to the escape line.

Burton Albion 1–2 Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster climbed out of the relegation zone with a crucial win at fellow strugglers Burton, inspired by Luke Molyneux’s goal and assist.

Rovers struck early — Molyneux converted from the penalty spot in the second minute after Owen Bailey was fouled, before turning provider with a low cross that Bailey bundled in for 2–0 after just 12 minutes.

Burton rallied after half-time, with Tyrese Shade twice going close and Kyran Lofthouse eventually reducing the deficit with a header from a corner.
Jake Beesley thought he had equalised late on, but a tight offside call denied him, and Doncaster held out despite a wave of Burton corners.

League One round-up: AFC Wimbledon strike late, Northampton fight back, Doncaster climb out of drop zone

League One round-up: AFC Wimbledon strike late, Northampton fight back, Doncaster climb out of drop zone