KIERAN O’REGAN was in the thick of things as Town clinched a memorable 2-1 comeback win over Bury.

It took the 57th-minute sending off of keeper Lee Martin to transform Eoin Hand’s side in this pre-Christmas clash in front of 4,841 at Leeds Road.

With Town trailing to Charlie Bishop’s first-half strike, O’Regan, pictured, took over the green shirt – then came upfield to level from the spot!

With O’Regan safely back between the posts, Iwan Roberts headed the winner to clinch a welcome first win in four league games.

By the time the final whistle went, Bury had lost a player – Ronnie Mauge being red carded after a foul on Robert Wilson – and their shape.

Town had created two early chances for Iffy Onuora, the first saved by Gary Kelly and the second cleared off the line by Andy Feeley.

But other than that, they looked distinctly sluggish, and there was little argument with Bury’s right to the lead, gained in the 26th minute when Mauge released Bishop down the right and his shot went in off a post with Martin stranded.

Bishop came close to a second with a powerful header just before the break, and things looked grim when Tony Cunningham, despite looking yards offside, was allowed to romp through on goal 12 minutes into the second half.

Martin, in for the injured Steve Hardwick, tugged the striker to the ground rugby style, and London referee Alf Buksh reached straight for his red card.

The home faithful weren’t happy, but the incident stirred Town.

With the fans increasingly vocal, the players started to fight for each other, and when Mr Buksh detected a handball in the 70th minute, O’Regan ran upfield to put away his sixth penalty of the season.

Bury were reeling, and their afternoon got worse two minutes later.

Left-back Simon Charlton, presented with the monthly Barclays Young Eagle award before kick-off, raced down his flank and crossed for the diving Roberts to convert.

It all proved too much for Mauge, who had already been booked when he brought down his former Fulham teammate Wilson and saw red.

Town’s ten men (substitutes David Campbell and Mark Smith were unused) left the field to a standing ovation.

Town: Martin, Trevitt, Charlton, Marsden, Mitchell, O’Doherty, O’Regan, Wilson, Roberts, Barnett, Onuora. Subs not used: Campbell, Smith.

Bury: Kelly, Feeley (McGinlay, 78mins), Stanislaus, Mauge, Valentine, Atkin, Bishop (Price, 72mins), Parkinson, Cunningham, Robinson, Patterson.