Hitchin Town put seven straight defeats firmly in the rear-view mirror with a stunning first win of the season.

They won 4-0 away to Halesowen Town, not enough to move them off the bottom, but it was enough to drop the hosts out of the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off positions.

Lewis Barker fired them in front on five minutes, Rio Deall doubling the lead nine minutes later.

George Morrall made it a perfect start to the second period with the third goal on 48 and Joseph Chidyausiku netted on his debut in stoppage time.

It was three points that had Canaries boss Brett Donnelly smiling from ear to ear.

"That feels unbelievable," said the boss, speaking on the club's social media. "I said we'd been getting better but I didn't expect to win 4-0. But it could have also been by more.

"The week we've had, getting the lads in training and telling them what we wanted to do, it made a massive difference.

"That was a collectively very good performance and we thoroughly deserved the three points.

"Every one of them stood up and did what we asked of them, which is what we've been lacking.

"They've taken it into their own hands at times and not stuck to game plans, not done the horrible stuff.

"They've done that and rightly got their rewards.

"We've got to enjoy it, it's our first win. Hopefully we can put a run together and get out of this relegation battle.

"I'm hoping this gives them the confidence to go into games without feeling they can't win.

"For a team that hasn't won all season, to come and perform like that, it is amazing really."

It was the start of the FA Vase journey for Spartan South Midlands League sides Arlesey Town, Baldock Town and Letchworth Eagles.

And while the Reds fell at the first hurdle, beaten 3-1 away to Benfleet, Cian Jelly scoring in injury time, the Blues advanced with a 1-0 win away to AFC Welwyn.

Noah Mosanya got the only goal on seven minutes but it was a tough battle against the unbeaten Division One leaders.

The result of the day though undoubtedly came from Letchworth Eagles.

They had a superb day to move into the first round proper, winning 5-0 at home to FC Clacton.

Will Blair got two while Luke Baranowski, Max Smith with a penalty and Olly Humphryes got the others.

Alfie Bozward then saved a late penalty as Letchworth completed a historic victory, the furthest they have ever been in the national competition.

In Division Two of the SSML, Codicote drew 0-0 away to Newport Pagnell Town Res.

Stotfold, who had picked up their first point of the Southern League Division One Central season one week earlier with a 2-2 draw at Beaconsfield Town, were without a match.