Doncaster Rovers missed the opportunity to seal promotion to the Championship as they lost 1-0 at home to Notts County.
Joss Labadie's superb 35-yard shot sealed all three points for the away side.
© PA Photos
Portsmouth, who moved out of administration yesterday beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Fratton Park.
First-half goals from Shaun Cooper, David Connolly and Jed Wallace gave Pompey all three points.
A late winner from Jean Yves Mvoto gave Oldham a 2-1 win at home to Crawley and Scunthorpe got the crucial three points in a 1-0 away win at MK Dons.
Elsewhere, Swindon beat Stevenage 3-0 and Bournemouth won 3-0 at home to Carlisle to move top of League One.
Yeovil, Swindon and Sheffield United all sealed playoff places.
Results in full: Hartlepool 1-1 Brentford, Bournemouth 3-1 Carlisle, Colchester 0-0 Shrewsbury, Coventry 0-1 Leyton Orient, Doncaster 0-1 Notts County, MK Dons 0-1 Scunthorpe, Oldham 2-1 Crawley, Portsmouth 3-0 Sheffield United, Preston 1-0 Tranmere, Swindon 3-0 Stevenage, Walsall 1-1 Bury, Yeovil 1-0 Crewe
