It was the end of the road for both Hitchin Town and Stotfold as they were beaten in the FA Cup first qualifying round.

Both were beaten 2-0, Hitchin at home to Berkhamsted and Stotfold away to Hashtag United.

For the Canaries it was another loss in a season of woe so far, five defeats from five coming in the Southern League Premier Division Central, but manager Brett Donnelly could see a chink of light in this one.

Hitchin Town manager Brett Donnelly. Picture: PETER ELSEHitchin Town manager Brett Donnelly. Picture: PETER ELSE (Image: Peter Else)

Speaking on Twitter, the boss said: "It was a dubious penalty and a goal from our own corner.

"A better performance from us but when your lucks out, it’s out!.

"We do have to be a lot better in the final third but I’ll work hard to find the a way to start winning games for the club.

"The tide does turn and these boys deserve a break."

Stotfold are having a bad start to their Southern League season too, with three defeats from three in Division One Central.

But again there will be positives to take in the loss to the Isthmian League Premier Division side, who scored 15 minutes either side of half-time, Toby Aromolaran getting both.

The Eagles are back in cup action on Saturday when they go to Leighton Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

Arlesey Town though are back on top of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

They had had the summit after the first round of fixtures but then lost the next two, conceding 11 goals along the way.

However, since then, they have gone from strength to strength, winning four in a row and then drawing on Saturday, 1-1 at home to Biggleswade United.

Kurtis Alleyne got the goal four minutes from the end of normal time that looked to have clinched another success, only for Kit Brown to equalise very late on.

The point though was still enough to give the Blues breathing space over the chasing pack.

Baldock Town were without a game but return on Saturday with a home match against Crawley Green.

Arlesey go to Kempston Rovers.

Letchworth Garden City Eagles were winning 3-2 in the League Challenge Trophy away to Rothwell Corinthians, Aidan Kavanagh getting two and Luke Baranowski one.

Division Two Codicote though were beaten 1-0 at home to Wellingborough Whitworth of Division One.