The Brett Donnelly managerial era at Hitchin Town began with a home draw against high flying AFC Telford United - ending a run of 12 straight defeats in the Southern League Premier Division Central. 

The former Canaries striker took over from Mark Burke on Thursday and he would have been delighted with Finley Wilkinson's effort that opened the scoring on 11 minutes, thumped from distance and in off the crossbar.

Telford though are third in the standings and have their eyes very much fixed on a place in the play-offs and they levelled just 11 minutes later through Orrin Pendley.

The draw though will be very much welcomed and the point maintains the status quo with six games remaining, Hitchin four points above AFC Sudbury and relegation having played the same number of games.

They play league leaders Needham Market at Top Field on Saturday before going to Berkhamsted, who could be relegated by then, on Easter Monday.

The Comet: Finley Wilkinson and Hitchin Town celebrate his goal against AFC Telford United. Picture: PETER ELSEFinley Wilkinson and Hitchin Town celebrate his goal against AFC Telford United. Picture: PETER ELSE (Image: Peter Else)

Donnelly's old club, Stotfold, were beaten 2-1 by Division One Central play-off chasing Waltham Abbey.

Henry Snee had got them off to a great start, tapping in a Callum Kane cross after just two minutes.

But Prince Domafriye equalised midway through the first half and Hallett hit the winner 20 minutes from time to keep Waltham in the play-off places and leave the Eagles still needing a few points to make doubly sure of their safety at the level.

That is the reason Paul Donnelly has been given the job of managing the team until the end of the season.

Stotfold chairman Rob Parkin said: "We are at a time of the season where we need to maintain stability and, importantly, continuity.

"Therefore, to take us through to the end of the season, Paul Donnelly will take charge, assisted by Callum Donnelly and Ryan Frater.

"Paul has done an excellent job assisting Brett in the last three seasons. He know's our squad, the club, how we work and has my full support along with everyone at the club.

"I have every faith in them and the squad to remain fully focused on successfully closing out the season."

Stotfold sit 12th in the table with eight games to go, nine points above second bottom Kidlington.

They have a trip to tumbling North Leigh on Tuesday before the Easter fixtures, at home to play-off chasing AFC Dunstable on Saturday and then away to Biggleswade on Easter Monday.

There was a good win for Arlesey Town in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.

They won 1-0 at Sawbridgeworth Town, Matt Gilbert scoring the only goal in the second half in a match which saw both sides finish with 10 men, Steven Sylvester-Ajudua given two yellows for Arlesey.

Baldock Town meanwhile grabbed a very important 1-1 draw away to play-off chasing Harpenden Town.

Fraser Findlay looked to have won all three points for the Reds but Archie Locke levelled for the home team with eight minutes remaining.

Those results mean Arlesey are 16th and Baldock 17th, the latter five points behind their landlords but now five clear of Shefford Town & Campton in the bottom two.

The two sides face each other on Saturday, the tenants technically at home at New Lamb Meadow.

In Division One, a double from William Blair was not enough as Letchworth Eagles were beaten 3-2 by Langford, and they also had a red card for Luke Shimell.

Codicote meanwhile lost 3-2 in the SSML Division Two Cup to leaders AFC Welwyn.

Liam Hayden and Michael Moss scored for the Cod.