The new management team at Arlesey Town suffered a defeat away to Stansted in their first game.

The Blues were beaten 3-1 at their fellow Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division strugglers in Tommy Cooney's first game in charge, leaving them still second from bottom of the table.

They had taken the lead on 11 minutes when Rory Busby scored but the advantage lasted just three minutes before John Clarke equalised for the Airportmen.

Second-half strikes from Carl Conway and Samuel Adetiba left them nursing a loss.

Home fans will get sight of the new look side on Saturday when they host Harpenden Town before another New Lamb Meadow encounter on December 27, that one against tenants Baldock Town.

The Reds have a trip to Biggleswade United up first and head into Saturday's game on the back of a 4-1 defeat at home to high-flying MK Irish.

Marley Stein got the only goal for Baldock.

In Division One, Letchworth Eagles won 3-0 at home to Rushden & Higham United with William Blair, Luke Shimell and Jack Rosenwink all on target.

Meanwhile in Division Two, Codicote remain firmly in the title picture after a 4-1 win at home to Pitstone & Ivinghoe United.

Sean McMonagle got a double while there was one each for Michael Brako and Vinny Clarke as Cod stay second, five points behind leaders AFC Welwyn but with two games in hand.

Hitchin Town put their home woes behind them as they came from behind to beat St Ives Town on the road.

The Canaries have lost the last three Southern League Premier Division Central games at Top Field but the 2-1 success at Westwood Road made it five without defeat on their travels, four coming with wins.

They had to come from a goal down to do it, an own-goal on 70 minutes by Stan Georgiou putting Ives in front.

A double though from Arnold Matshazi on 75 and 80 minutes earned them the win and leaves them fourth.

In Division One Central, Stotfold scored a 2-1 win at home to bottom of the table Kempston Rovers.

They are now 13th after goals from Robbie Buchanan and Kurtis Alleyne.