Brentford have extended their lead at the top of League One to three points with a 3-1 victory over Peterborough United away from home.
Goals from Adam Forshaw (a penalty), Sam Saunders and Clayton Donaldson were enough for the Bees to pick up the win at the London Road Stadium.
Leyton Orient had their game against Bristol City postponed because of structural damage at Brisbane Road, but Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to take advantage of that.
Wolves were held to a 1-1 draw by Tranmere Rovers away from home in a match that saw both teams reduced to 10 players. Richard Stearman was dismissed for the visitors for pulling Ryan Lowe, while James Wallace was sent off for a high tackle on David Edwards.
However, Wolves stay second in the standings, three points off the pace, while Leyton are a point behind in third but with a game in hand.
Preston North End maintained their chance of a top-two finish with a thrilling 3-2 home win against Port Vale. Joe Garner scored twice for the hosts to help them secure their third straight victory of the festive period to move within just two points of the automatic promotion places.
Peterborough and Rotherham United occupy the final two playoff places, the latter having suffered a 3-1 loss to Coventry City at the New York Stadium.
At the other end of the table, Notts County earned a valuable 3-0 victory over Bradford City at home to move off the bottom of the standings.
Elsewhere in League One on New Year's Day, Crewe Alexandra defeated Carlisle United 2-1 at Gresty Road, MK Dons drew 0-0 with Colchester United and Shrewsbury beat Oldham United 2-1 away from home, while Stevenage's clash against Gillingham and Crawley's match at Swindon Town were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
Results in full: Crewe 2-1 Carlisle, Leyton Orient P-P Bristol City, MK Dons 0-0 Colchester, Notts County 3-0 Bradford, Oldham 1-2 Shrewsbury, Peterborough 1-3 Brentford, Preston 3-2 Port Vale, Rotherham 1-3 Coventry, Stevenage P-P Gillingham, Swindon P-P Crawley, Tranmere 1-1 Wolves, Walsall 2-1 Sheffield United
Subhankar Mondal
