The Cherries have been under a transfer embargo for most of the season and they have regularly failed to name their full complement of seven players on the bench.

But Brett Pitman's 27th goal of the season and Alan Connell's late effort ensured that Bournemouth sealed a remarkable achievement.

Rotherham moved ever-closer to clinching a play-off spot with a 1-0 away win against relegation-haunted Barnet.

Kevin Ellison's strike sealed all three points for the Millers who remain in fourth spot. Barnet's future remains in doubt after Grimsby continued to defy the odds with a 2-0 win at already relegated Darlington.

First-half goals from Oliver Lancashire and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro closed the gap between them and Barnet to just four points. The two sides meet at Grimsby next Saturday in what could be a relegation decider.

Aldershot kept their play-off dreams alive with a 2-1 win at Cheltenham. An 89th-minute decider from Dean Morgan saw the Hampshire side leapfrog Bury into fifth place.

The Shakers' chances took another dip with a 1-0 defeat at Lincoln, with Davide Somma's late goal ensuring City's survival.

Bury are now just a point ahead of Port Vale, Morecambe and Chesterfield and just two in front of Northampton and Dagenham and Redbridge.

Vale moved into seventh place thanks to an invaluable 2-1 home win over league leaders and promoted Notts County.

The home side took the lead when Marc Richards turned and found the net with a deflected shot. County levelled soon after when Graeme Lee headed home Craig Westcarr's inviting cross from 10 yards out but Vale were back in front when Kris Taylor's cross sailed straight into the net.

Morecambe kept the pressure on the play-off chasers with a 1-0 home win over Dagenham and Redbridge. A goal from Darren Moss four minutes from time keeps the Lancashire side in the promotion hunt.

Chesterfield lost ground as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Bradford.

Ishmel Demontagnac put the home side ahead in the 51st minute and they should have gone on to win the game after Bradford's Omar Daley was sent off in the 70th minute for violent conduct - eight minutes after coming on as a substitute.

But Bradford's Gareth Evans pounced four minutes later to equalise and keep the Spireites' play-off hopes on a knife-edge.

Northampton remain in the hunt after a 2-0 home win over Shrewsbury. Second-half goals from Billy McKay and Kevin Thornton secured a win which keeps them on the fringe of the play-offs.

Crewe found some home form at last with a 5-1 demolition of Accrington, while Hereford beat promoted Rochdale 2-1 at Edgar Street.

Torquay, already safe from relegation, beat Macclesfield 1-0 thanks to Nicky Wroe's winner five minutes from time.