Barrow slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers and are now just three points above the relegation trapdoor.
Oldham lost their six-pointer with Scunthorpe and look as if they are going to be cut adrift.
But the battle to avoid 23rd spot could be intense with Barrow in 19th on 22 points with Colchester, and below them Carlisle, Scunthorpe and Stevenage all on 19.
Oldham, in so much trouble on and off the field, have 16 points.
However, the Bluebirds were always in the game at Tranmere until a late, second goal settled it in the hosts’ favour.
Mark Cooper’s side played some good football but it was a familiar story as they didn’t take advantage of the chances that came their way.
Tranmere’s ability to do that earned the three points that lifted them third and an automatic promotion place.
Cooper wasn’t helped though by cry-offs from Patrick Brough, James Jones and Matt Platt through COVID-19 while top scorer Ollie Banks was suspended.
Yet his re-shuffled side could have grabbed the first goal when Joe Grayson’s clever free kick was headed just wide by ex-Tranmere defender Mark Ellis.
It was the home side who then struck first when ex-Liverpool star Jay Spearing lifted a precision pass over the Barrow defence. Nicky Maynard controlled quickly and then steered a low finish into the bottom corner.
Maynard could have had a second soon afterwards but this time his shot on the turn was blocked by a defender and Paul Farman gathered the loose ball.
Barrow’s best effort in the opening quarter of the game followed a smart turn on halfway by Josh Gordon and when he sent Robbie Gotts down the right his shot from a tight angle was saved by Ross Doohan.
Rovers had the last opportunity in first half stoppage time but a neat, glancing header from Maynard whizzed past the post with Farman beaten.
It looked as though Barrow were in for a 53rd minute equaliser after a fine move down the left.
It ended with Connor Brown sliding a pass into Tom White but after cutting inside he watched a curling effort fly just the wrong side of the post.
Substitute Liam Feeney got in down the left for the home side but he wasted a great opportunity by firing wildly over the top.
However, Tranmere clinched the points on 87 minutes when the hosts worked the ball well into the feet of Kieron Morris on the right of the area and he lashed an unstoppable shot past Farman.
