TWO of Oxford United’s promotion rivals suffered defeats in Sky Bet League One last night.

Four games were played in the third tier, with a further two postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

Peterborough United and Stevenage, both inside the top six, were beaten though, with those results a huge boost for the U’s, who sit seventh in the table.

The Posh, in fourth, lost 2-1 late on at Exeter City. Harrison Burrows had given Darren Ferguson’s side the lead from the penalty spot, however Michael Olakigbe was shown a second yellow card 10 minutes into the second period.

Own goals from Nicholas Bilokapic and Jadel Katongo in the final quarter of an hour ensured the Grecians claimed all three points.

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Stevenage, in sixth place and a point above United, were also beaten by an own goal, via Vadaine Oliver just before half-time, in their home clash against Reading.

Elsewhere, Leyton Orient moved to within six points of the U’s after a 1-0 win at Port Vale, the goal coming courtesy of Idris El Mizouni on the hour mark.

Fleetwood Town claimed a second successive win, to move to within six points of safety, after a 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers. Ronan Coughlan and Jayden Stockley scored for the Cod Army, while the Pirates had Chris Martin sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Burton Albion’s home game against Cheltenham Town, plus Cambridge United at home to Bolton Wanderers, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.