Doncaster Rovers gave themselves a cushion in the Sky Bet League One play-off places with a comfortable 3-0 win against Southend at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Apart from an opening 10-minute spell, Rovers were totally dominant and went ahead when John Marquis headed home his 22nd goal of the season.
Further strikes from Mallik Wilks and Herbie Kane in the second half sealed the victory and saw Doncaster open up a four-point lead over Peterborough in seventh spot.
Sunderland stay fourth but needed a late Jack Baldwin header to earn a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light against Blackpool, who led through Armand Gnanduillet's effort.
Bottom club AFC Wimbledon kept their survival hopes alive with a 1-0 away victory over Walsall as Steve Seddon scored the only goal of the match shortly after half time. The Dons are still seven points adrift of safety, though.
