Blackburn moved up to third in the First Division with a 2-0 victory over Birmingham at St Andrews.
With both teams pushing Bolton for the second automatic promotion place, Blackburn took the lead in the first half when Marcus Bent's shot from Keith Gillespie's low cross was covered by goalkeeper Ian Bennett until the ball was deflected in off Peter Atherton's leg.
The visitors wrapped up the points with Damien Duff's cool second-half finish following a skilful run.
Birmingham's misery was completed in injury time when defender Darren Purse was sent off for an elbow on Matt Jansen.
Elsewhere, Tranmere failed to move off the bottom despite a battling 1-1 home draw with Portsmouth.
Wayne Allison struck the opener but Kevin Harper netted a second-half equaliser to earn Pompey a draw. Preston moved into sixth spot with a 2-0 home victory against Wolves.
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