Hitchin Town kicked off their new Southern League Premier Division Central season in fine style - beating Alvechurch at Top Field.

Second-half goals from Jack Snelus and Finley Wilkinson were enough to give the Canaries all three points with a 2-0 win.

The visitors though will point to a red card in stoppage time at the end of the first half, a second booking for Yaw Ofusu, as the big moment in the game.

Until then they had frustrated Mark Burke's men and restricted them to half chances, Isaac Galliford having their best effort.

Hitchin were much better after the break though and as soon as Snelus scored with a sublime effort from the left of the box, two minutes after the restart, there only looked to be one winner.

The Comet: Finley Wilkinson scores the second for Hitchin Town. Picture: PETER ELSEFinley Wilkinson scores the second for Hitchin Town. Picture: PETER ELSE (Image: Peter Else)

Wilkinson settled it with a header from a Brad Bell cross 15 minutes from time, leaving Hitchin fourth in the embryonic table.

They go to Long Eaton United on Saturday.

Stotfold's day one action came one night earlier, but didn't have the same happy ending.

They lost 2-1 away to new Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Stansted in the FA Cup extra-preliminary round.

The game looked to be heading in the right direction for the Eagles when Henry Snee put them in front seven minutes from half-time, Diallo's press turning the ball over before the forward struck the ball into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later though a penalty from Jack Mitchell brought the Airportmen level and in the third minute of stoppage time, Stotfold were behind as Mitchell converted another effort from 12 yards.

The second period saw chances but none could be taken and Brett Donnolly's men will now look forward to their first ever game in the Southern League when they host Aylesbury United.

Arlesey Town are also out of the FA Cup after a 5-1 loss away to Sawbridgeworth Town.

Rory Busby got the only goal for the Blues which at the time made it 2-1.

However, Sawbo scored again before half-time before wrapping it up after the break.

Baldock Town's trip to Little Oakley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They try again tomorrow evening (Tuesday).