The days on Hitchin Town's yearly calendar had almost all been scratched out but after 350 of them, they have finally won another league game at home.

The 2-1 success over Spalding United was the first seen by the Top Field faithful in the Southern League Premier Division Central since a similar score beat AFC Sudbury on October 28, 2023.

And it was the latest in the redemption arc for Brett Donnelly's men.

After seven straight losses, they now have seven points from their last three league games and while not off the bottom of the table, they are now back on the shirt-tails of the pack in front of them.

This victory began with a rocket from Dan Stokoe finding the top corner on 16 minutes and Spalding had their goalkeeper to thanks for first stopping Lewis Barker from adding to the lead and then Stokoe himself, tipping the second effort onto the crossbar.

Those saves seem even more crucial when Bartosz Cybulski equalised on 34 minutes but minutes later a trip on Stokoe gave Hitchin a penalty, one that Coree Wilson converted by sending Tony Breeden the wrong way.

That proved the end of the chances although Hitchin were indebted to a superb stop by Josh Strizovic in stoppage time, clawing away a Cybulski effort.

Two penalties proved too much for Stotfold as they lost 2-0 away to Flackwell Heath in Division One Central.

The goals, both scored by Wiktor Makowski in the 10 minutes before the hour, ended Stotfold's better run of form, two wins and a draw before this one.

It was a quieter afternoon for Spartan South Midlands League sides, some with their eyes on the upcoming FA Vase.

Letchworth Eagles, who host Biggleswade United in the first round proper, won 3-2 in the Challenge Trophy away to Kempston Rovers while Arlesey Town, who are at home to Rayleigh Town on Saturday, beat FC Romania in the Premier Division Cup.

Baldock Town drew 0-0 away to Winslow United in the Premier Division while Codicote lost 5-4 to Bovingdon in Division Two.