Carlisle United's rivals at the top of League Two failed to take advantage of the Blues being sidelined yesterday.

Both Newport and Forest Green were unable to knock the Cumbrians off the top of the table.

United's game at Mansfield - along with their next two encounters - was off because of Covid-19 infections in the Blues squad.

Newport could have claimed top spot but were held to a goalless draw by Salford City.

The Exiles saw Josh Sheehan sent off by Cumbrian referee Anthony Backhouse for a dangerous challenge on Ash Hunter.

The midfielder's three-match ban will include Carlisle's visit to Rodney Parade on January 26 - United's first game back after their players' current period of self-isolation.

Mike Flynn's side could not break the deadlock, with ex-Blues star Jamie Devitt an unused sub.

The point sees Newport second, behind Carlisle on goal difference, with third-placed Forest Green joining them on 39 points after they failed to see off Port Vale at the Innocent New Lawn.

Nicky Cadden shot Mark Cooper's side in front but Devante Rodney earned a point for Vale, who were under caretaker boss Danny Pugh.

It is getting tighter in the leading places in League Two, although Carlisle now have at least one game in hand on all their rivals bar Newport.

Fourth-placed Cambridge are a point behind the leading trio after a 1-1 draw at Colchester, with Salford a point further back.

Cheltenham and Leyton Orient, in sixth and seventh, are three points behind United. Cheltenham drew 1-1 at Bolton while Orient saw off Morecambe 2-0 at home.

There is a further chance for sides to overtake Carlisle on Tuesday night, with Newport in action at Cheltenham, and Forest Green away to Tranmere. Cambridge also go to Southend.

Barrow, meanwhile, gave their survival hopes a boost on Saturday after Josh Kay's goal earned a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Scunthorpe.