Gunnedah won 5-1 in the top grade, earlier drawing 1-1 in reserve grade.

In first grade, Andy Cygan ended his goal drought after only a few minutes, turning in the box and firing low under the keeper.

Bailey Keeler popped up and fired home to extend the lead.

He then turned villain as he pulled an OVA player’s arm in the box from a corner, and the visitors’ scored the penalty to make it 2-1.

Matt Davis went on a run from way in his own half, managed a one-two pass and smashed the ball across the keeper to make it 3-1.

In the second half Gunnedah picked up the pace, creating chances. And it was Cygan who got his second after a delicate header from Bailey Keeler allowed him to slot home.

David Silver finished the scoring from close range.

Cygan said: “We look good all over at the minute. We tried to keep the passing going against OVA and should have scored more.

“At the back we look solid, and will welcome back Justin Lawrence after the holidays, so we’ll all be playing for places.”

In reserve grade, Gunnedah created many chances in the first half but failed to score. On another day they might have managed a couple of early goals.

It was an encouraging half, though, and they continued their assault in the second half. Zac Crowhurst had a couple of chances before he hit the keeper, and Rob Pryor was there to drive home the rebound.

Poor finishing prevented Gunnedah from extending their lead but they continued to defend well.

Their hearts were broken, though, when a badly deflected shot was carried over the keeper into the goal with 10 minutes left.

Cygan said: “The draw keeps us fourth [on the ladder] and the pleasing thing is we have just played the top two teams in the comp and matched them.

“We just need to start having a bit of luck and take our chances in front of goal.”