Hitchin Town came from a goal down at Mickleover to claim all three points and move to the fringe of the Southern League Premier Division Central play-off places.

The Derbyshire hosts went ahead inside 120 seconds but Bradley Bell equalised soon after and Ashley struck midway through the second half to give the Canaries a 2-1 win and move them sixth in the table, just two points behind Coalville Town although admittedly having played at least two games more than the five sides above them.

Having gone behind, the timing of Bell's goal was important, coming on 12 minutes after good work from Diogo Freitas-Gouveia and Ciaren Jones.

Chances were limited at both ends, Jones having the best of them for Hitchin, before Hay got what turned out to be the winner with a volley, making it five goals in seven league games.

Mickleover brought the late charge but apart from one fine save from Charlie Horlock, composed defending meant the keeper was rarely under desperate pressure.

Hitchin's next game is on the road on Saturday when they go to Coalville.

They return to Top Field on Monday, January 23, with a rearranged fixture against Barwell.