Seeking their sixth away win on the trot, Mark Duffy's Ovenden were quickly into their stride and Steve Fullard and Ciaren Green putting the visitors two up after 10 minutes.

They remained in control but Irish gained a foothold and after a good spell of pressure Steve Galloway pulled a goal back when he finished from close range.

The visitors should have restored the two goal cushion but Andy Gregory squandered a great chance on 50 minutes and five minutes later Micky Palethorpe missed a penalty.

Ovenden were then reduced to 10 men when Chris Gent was dismissed on the hour, and Galloway made them pay for those earlier missed chances when he levelled for Irish on 70 minutes with a great header.

But the visitors were not finished and Palethorpe's corner was so vicious it forced Matthew Banks into an own goal to restore Ovenden's lead, and Palethorpe added a fourth in the closing minutes to seal the win.

Ovenden WR begin their West Riding County Challenge Cup campaign tonight with a trip to Pontefract Collieries Reserves (7.45) a game brought forward from next Saturday at the home team's request.

After an encouraging display against leaders Bay seven days earlier, Brighouse Town suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat at Hall Green United having been in front at the break.

Glen Hall and Jason Tiplady struck to put Town 2-1 ahead, with John Moore replying for the home side.

But Brighouse failed to make any impression in the second half and goals from Danny Milne and Chris Turner gave Hall Green the points.

"Even though we were in front at half time we did not look to be on form," said Paul Moore.