Walsall gained valuable ground in the English Third Division promotion race last night with a 3-1 away win over struggling Exeter.

After captain Martin O'Connor shot Walsall into the lead right on half time, Exeter equalised six minutes into the second half.

But it would be the closest they came to securing a point as Lightbourne struck in the 68th and 89th minutes to seal a victory that enabled Walsall to move within two points of second-placed Chesterfield.

Both Chesterfield and Bury, challenging Walsall for the second automatic promotion spot, dropped valuable points when they were held to 1-1 draws away from home. Chesterfield needed a 90th minute goal to deny top team Carlisle victory while Bury also came from behind to draw with Gillingham as both goals in that match came in the first half.

Walsall, away to Doncaster on Saturday, still have two games in hand on Chesterfield and one on Bury. Chesterfield and Bury are also away on Saturday.