League Two Review: Ainsworth frustrated by Luton, Shrewsbury go top

Wycombe Wanderers were held to a 1-1 League Two draw by Luton Town on Friday after agreeing a new contract with manager Gareth Ainsworth.

Chairman Andrew Howard made the announcement prior to the Boxing Day clash between two of the division’s high-flyers, with Ainsworth extending the two-year deal he signed in April 2013.

Wycombe looked set to mark the occasion in style when Paris Cowan-Hall opened the scoring with a header after just three minutes.

Jonathan Smith spoiled the party five minutes later, though, with a right-footed strike into the top left-hand corner from outside the penalty area.

The result saw Wycombe slip to second on goal difference, while Luton lost third place to Burton Albion.

Shrewsbury Town are the new league leaders after their 2-0 win at Oxford United.

James Collins put the visitors in front after 13 minutes at the Kassam Stadium and Mark Ellis’ header from a Liam Lawrence corner gave Shrewsbury a cushion.

Burton’s jump to third came courtesy of a 2-0 win over lowly Tranmere Rovers, who had Liam Ridehalgh sent off for a foul on Kelvin Maynard in the penalty area after 23 minutes.

Damien McCrory converted the subsequent spot-kick, before Shane Cansdell-Sherriff headed a second.

Burton are now level on points with Shrewsbury and Wycombe.

Southend United triumphed 1-0 at Cambridge United to maintain pressure on the leading clubs, climbing above Plymouth Argyle, who lost 2-0 at play-off rivals Newport County.

Exeter City sit just outside the play-off positions on goal difference after their 1-0 win over struggling Cheltenham Town, while Bury battled to a 3-2 win at Northampton Town as both teams ended the match a man down.

Basement club Hartlepool United picked up another valuable point from a 1-1 draw in an ill-tempered affair at Mansfield Town which saw three players sent off, and 10-man York City beat Accrington Stanley 1-0 for their first win in four matches.

Elsewhere, Dagenham and Redbridge slipped to 22nd with a 2-0 defeat at home to Stevenage, while AFC Wimbledon won 2-0 at 10-man Portsmouth.