Hitchin Town have the scent of something special this season firmly in their nostrils after moving second in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

They are now six points behind runaway leaders Mickleover who suffered their first defeat in 14 games. 

The Canaries' 3-1 win away to Halesowen Town could be the best of the nine successes they have racked up so far, on the home turf of a squad that started the day one position behind the visitors.

The Comet: Daniel Platt struggles to keep Charlie Horlock's effort out of the net. Picture: PETER ELSEDaniel Platt struggles to keep Charlie Horlock's effort out of the net. Picture: PETER ELSE (Image: Peter Else)

One player had a very special day too, goalkeeper Charlie Horlock.

He opened the scoring with a freak effort, thumping a goal kick long and catching opposite number Daniel Platt off his line and in no-man's land.

Finley Wilkinson and Daniel Idiakhoa had other chances for the away side but with rain falling, and the pitch cutting up, chances were few and far between.

Substitute John Freeman, brought on for Isaac Galliford at 65 minutes, made the game safer with a strike on 78 minutes but Halesowen could, and perhaps should have drew level in stoppage time.

They had already pulled one back, Richard Gregory on 80 minutes, when they got a penalty four minutes into stoppage time.

The Comet: Charlie Horlock saves the late Halesowen penalty. Picture: PETER ELSECharlie Horlock saves the late Halesowen penalty. Picture: PETER ELSE (Image: Peter Else)

Horlock's great day continued as he saved the attempt and three minutes later Freeman squeezed in his second from a tight angle to finish it off.

This was Hitchin's fifth win in the last six games.

Mark Burke's men have also announced some fixture changes.

They will now play AFC Telford United on November 18 after their planned game with Stourbridge was postponed due to the Glassboys' involvement in the FA Trophy.

November 25 will now be a blank weekend, having been the original date for the Telford match, but the Canaries will face Stourbridge on the following Tuesday, subject to Southern League approval.

Stotfold's Southern League Division One Central clash at Thame United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

There were games played in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division though, although neither Arlesey Town or Baldock Town enjoyed their afternoons.

The Blues lost 5-0 away to league leaders Real Bedford while the Reds were beaten 2-0 at New Lamb Meadow by Potton United.

That leaves Baldock in seventh and Arlesey in 17th.

Letchworth Garden Eagles' game at Raunds Town in Division One and Codicote's trip to Bovingdon in Division Two were both victims of wet playing surfaces.