Gary Johnson's side moved two points clear of Stoke thanks to McCombe, who scored for the second time in three matches with a deft volley which flew over Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Earlier, Dele Adebola had given the Robins the lead in the 14th minute before Liam Fontaine's own-goal on the stroke of half-time brought the visitors level.

Burnley striker Robbie Blake came off the bench to score twice as his side drew 2-2 with Watford at Turf Moor.

A Darius Henderson header put the Hornets ahead in the 23rd minute before Blake levelled in the 75th minute after a scramble inside the penalty area.

Jordan Stewart (85) looked like he had given Adrian Boothroyd's side all three points but Blake equalised two minutes later with a clever finish from inside the penalty area after good work by Jon Harley down the left.

West Brom put their promotion challenge firmly back on track after a fine second-half performance crushed Plymouth at The Hawthorns.

The visitors looked bright in the opening period but once substitute Zoltan Gera had broken the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, Albion stepped up a level.

A lucky goal from Ishmael Miller (59) extinguished any hopes of a comeback before Roman Bednar (67) hit a third to ensure a first league win in a month.

Chris Iwelumo's 10th goal of the season helped Charlton boost their promotion campaign with a 2-0 win over struggling Sheffield United, who had Stephen Quinn sent off in added time.

Iwelumo put the hosts ahead at Bramall Lane with his strike in first-half injury time when Greg Halford set him up to slot home from close range.

The Blades failed to produce any real response and were killed off by Sam Sodje's 82nd-minute header, which left Kevin Blackwell's men just four points clear of the drop zone.

David Norris' first goal for Ipswich maintained their push to make the play-offs and denied Nigel Pearson a first win as Southampton boss in an entertaining 1-1 draw at St Mary's.

Norris, who joined from Plymouth during the transfer window, struck five minutes after Stern John (51) had given the hosts a second-half lead.

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork struck in the 66th minute to give Scunthorpe a 2-1 home win over Coventry which lifted Nigel Adkins' side off the bottom of the table

Martin Paterson (15) put the Iron ahead before Kevin Thornton (21) equalised from the penalty spot but Cork scored a superb winner from distance.

Colchester moved into bottom place after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (30) gave Wolves a 1-0 win at Layer Road while fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday were held to a 0-0 draw at Barnsley, who had Robert Kozluk sent off.

Preston were unable to follow up their midweek win over Stoke as Clinton Morrison netted in the 76th minute to give Crystal Palace a 1-0 win at Deepdale.

Cardiff defender Darren Purse put through his own net in the 27th minute to give Leicester a 1-0 win at Ninian Park while Stephen McPhee (15, 39) struck twice to give Blackpool a 2-1 win at Norwich, who pulled a goal back through Jamie Cureton's 65th-minute penalty.