Askern were held up by problems on the M62 and the game started 45 minutes late.

But it was Brighouse who failed to get off the mark as they found themselves trailing 3-0 at the break.

Michael Evans fired Villa in front after 13 minutes with Daniel Ferguson and Graeme Severn also on target to put the visitors in command.

Brighouse were far better after the break and pulled one back in the 54th minute with a fine goal from substitute Danny Bentley.

Ferguson bagged his second two minutes later only for Scott Swann to reduce the gap to two again when he fired home just before the hour mark.

Wayne Crossley struck the woodwork while Danny Ryan and Bentley also went close as Brighouse looked for a way back.

But with six minutes remaining Askern struck again to secure the points, Ferguson completing his hat-trick with the help of a deflection.

Town boss Mark Brier made no excuses for his side's third successive league defeat.

"We were beaten by the better side," he said. "Askern deserved their win on the strength of their first half performance.

"We were aware there would be a delayed kick off but, as is often the case, the side affected by it most was the home side.

"The coaching staff tried to get the players up and to keep them focused but in the first 15 minutes our passing and desire were poor.

"I think my players thought they had already won the game.

"Then, just when we looked like we were settling, Askern scored their first goal and then capitalised on a dreadful 25 minutes from us."

Brighouse have no game next weekend as their scheduled opponents Rainworth MW are in FA Vase action.