Walker settles for play-off place

Charlton striker James Walker played the entire game as Southend United were forced to settle for a place in the League One end-of-season play-offs following a 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

James Walker is on loan at Southend United

The result - Southend's first defeat in 14 games - means the Shrimpers cannot earn automatic promotion this season. United next face relegated Port Vale at home on Saturday.

Also in League One, Therry Racon played his last game for Brighton & Hove Albion as they defeated Bristol Rovers 2-0 the same day.

Brighton cannot make the play-offs following sixth-placed Leeds United's win on Friday, and Racon was recalled by Charlton on Monday.

In League Two, Josh Wright helped Barnet record a 2-1 win over Stockport County at Underhill.

Stockport started brightly and only a brilliant saving tackle from midfielder Wright prevented Stephen Gleeson from opening the scoring before Barnet went in front.

Stockport equalised but a late strike from Cliff Akurang gave the Bees victory and sealed Hereford United's promotion in the process as Stockport had to settle for a play-off place. Barnet are away at Rotherham United on Saturday.

Osei Sankofa was an unused substitute as Brentford lost 3-0 at Hereford. Brentford play Stockport County away this weekend.

In the Premier League, Marcus Bent hit the woodwork early on and played for just over an hour as Wigan Athletic edged closer to Premier League safety with a 0-0 win over fellow strugglers Reading.

The Royals handed a start to Leroy Lita after recalling the striker from his loan at Charlton earlier in the week. Wigan travel to in-form Aston Villa away on Saturday.

Finally, Amdy Faye made his first appearance for Glasgow Rangers since October on Sunday, coming off the substitutes' bench in a 3-2 Old Firm defeat to Celtic.

The victory takes Celtic five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premierleague, although Rangers have three games in hand.