....newcomers Widnes in Division One West on Monday night.

At the Dual Seal Stadium, Brighouse moved top of the embryonic league table but failed to beat newly-promoted Pickering Town, who had gained their first win, also away from home, on Saturday at Lincoln United.

Aaron Martin gave the home side an early 4^th minute lead that Billy Logan cancelled out 10 minutes later.

Three minutes on and the Pikes had the lead when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ryan Blott.

Five minutes after half-time, Brighouse found themselves really up against it as they went down to ten-men when goalkeeper Jordan Porter received a straight red card for handling the ball outside his area.

Nick Thompson made it 3-1 to the visitors in the 71^st minute and seemingly put the game out of the home side`s reach.

But Brighouse fought back superbly to reduce the deficit 5 minutes later with Martin`s second of the game and then 5 minutes from time, Sam Wright earned them an unlikely-looking point.

The Select Security Stadium saw an extraordinary game between Widnes and Kidsgrove Athletic.

A goalless opening 45 minutes produced little clue of what was to come.

Five minutes into the second half, Widnes had Jay Roberts dismissed for a late challenge on Alex Lingard, who suffered a nasty-looking injury which also ended his night early on a stretcher.

Then on 74 minutes, the home side were reduced to nine-men as Danny Ventre was sent-off for a challenge on sub Rumieno Valido-Barai.

On 88 minutes, Grove took advantage of their extra men to break the deadlock when Peter Williams lashed home from close range after Widnes `keeper Richie Mottram had made a fine initial save.

Six minutes into time added on for Lingard`s injury, Michael Grogan became the third to go for an early shower for Widnes and Kevin Pollard joined him as the hosts were reduced to just seven for the final few seconds!