Carlisle United's dwindling chances of League One survival could be further affected by a number of their rivals tonight.

The division sees six games this evening - several involving sides in the relegation battle.

While bottom side Carlisle are ten points adrift of safety, they will at least hope the gap doesn't get even bigger tonight.

That is the risk if Port Vale, who are now fifth bottom, get a result at home to Leyton Orient.

The Valiants are in poor form with three defeats from their last four ahead of their clash with the on-form Os who accounted for Carlisle on Saturday.

Richie Wellens' side are unbeaten in seven league games ahead of their trip to Vale Park.

Three sides directly above United in the bottom four are also in action tonight.

Third-bottom Cheltenham Town will look to make up some of their own seven-point gap to safety when they go to 18th-placed Burton Albion.

Darrell Clarke's Robins are on a three-game losing run and desperate for an upturn to keep their survival hopes alive.

Fourth-bottom Reading will look to move out of the drop zone when they go to high-flying Stevenage.

Ruben Selles' Royals are unbeaten in three ahead of the trip to take on Steve Evans' sixth-placed Boro, who have won their last three.

Fleetwood Town, meanwhile, will be looking to put further distance between themselves and United.

Charlie Adam's second-bottom side, who leapfrogged United with a 3-0 win over Port Vale, go to tenth-placed Bristol Rovers.

Exeter City, who have climbed to 17th, are also in action as they take on promotion-chasing Peterborough United, who are fourth, at home.

And 14th-placed Cambridge United also take on a high-flier when they host third-placed Bolton Wanderers.

All the third tier games this evening kick off at 7.45pm.