Carlisle ended a run of 12 Coca-Cola League One games without a win with a 3-1 victory against Brighton.
A double by Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Cleveland Taylor's strike put the hosts 3-0 up before Matt Richards netted a consolation for Brighton.
Crewe remain deep in trouble at the foot of the standings after a 2-0 home loss to Leyton Orient, Tamika Mkandawire and Adam Boyd with the goals for the visitors.
Cheltenham are also deep in the mire after slipping to a 3-0 loss to fellow strugglers Hereford at Edgar Street.
A Steve Guinan brace had the Bulls well in control before Sam Gwynne wrapped up the win 10 minutes into the second period.
Oldham remain on the fringes of the play-off zone after a second-half Andy Liddell penalty sealed a 1-0 win over Northampton.
Fellow play-off hopefuls Tranmere and Southend played out a 2-2 draw at Prenton Park in a game that saw both teams finish with 10 men.
Ian Moore's opener for the hosts was cancelled out by Alex Revell before Bas Savage put Tranmere ahead again only for Kevin Betsy to find a second for Southend.
Southend's Francis Laurent and Tranmere's Steve Jennings saw red for separate incidents in the second period.
Finally, Walsall claimed a solid 2-0 win on the road at Colchester thanks to goals from Dwayne Mattis and Michael Ricketts.
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