David Hicks was given a challenge by his loan club - and he responded in style with a goal direct from a corner. 

The young Stevenage midfielder has been sent out to Isthmian League Premier Division Potters Bar Town to learn more about the senior men's game and himself, all part of the development.

And he bagged his first of the season as the Scholars romped to a 5-0 win at home to previously unbeaten league leaders Lewes.

Former Hitchin Town striker Steve Cawley and Ronnie Henry celebrate for Potters Bar Town against Lewes. Picture: MANDY DAVIESFormer Hitchin Town striker Steve Cawley and Ronnie Henry celebrate for Potters Bar Town against Lewes. Picture: MANDY DAVIES (Image: Mandy Davies)

Bar, captained by Ronnie Henry, have been reliant on the goals of former Hitchin Town striker Steve Cawley so far this term, carrying them up to third in the table.

And while he scored again here, the other four were shared out, with Hicks's goal particularly pleasing to manager Max Mitchell.

David Hicks (far side, right) scores direct from a corner for Potters Bar Town against Lewes. Picture: MANDY DAVIESDavid Hicks (far side, right) scores direct from a corner for Potters Bar Town against Lewes. Picture: MANDY DAVIES (Image: Mandy Davies)

He said: "Steve has got the bulk of our goals this season so it was nice to see a few others chip in.

"I'm really pleased for David Hicks. He's had a few performances where he's come under a little bit of scrutiny and we've challenged him a little bit.

"He has made a real difference here."

Elsewhere, Owen Cochrane played the full game as Maidenhead United won 2-1 away to Boston United in the National League, lifting them out of the bottom four.

However, goalkeeper Rylee Mitchell was beaten three times in 10 minutes as Oxford City were dumped out of the FA Cup by Gosport Borough.

Haroon Meriai scored Stotfold's winner against Aylesbury United. Picture: TGS PHOTOHaroon Meriai scored Stotfold's winner against Aylesbury United. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo) In non-league action, Stotfold recorded their first Southern League Division One Central win of the season, shocking previously unbeaten Aylesbury United 1-0.

The winning goal, scored eight minutes into the second half by Haroon Meriai, was only the second conceded in five games by the Ducks.

It lifts the Eagles up to 16th in the table and builds the confidence ahead of another home clash with Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.

In the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, there were defeats for both Arlesey Town and Baldock Town.

The Blues went down 1-0 at home to Wormley Rovers while the Reds had a 3-0 loss away to Tring Athletic.

Letchworth Eagles lost 4-0 at home to new Division One leaders AFC Welwyn while Codicote had a 0-0 draw at home to Tring Corinthians in Division Two.