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Aylesbury made the short trip to Hitchin still looking for their first win in the league since beating Yate at the end of August.

Manager Danny Nicholls had promised changes, and duly switched to a 4-4-2 formation and put Liam Folds and Jamie Kearns on the bench.

But his plans were quickly undone as Hitchin took the lead after a minute and five seconds. With the Ducks seemingly asleep in defence, the ball was squared for Leeyon Phelan to easily convert from five yards. 1-0 Hitchin

Daniel Mead had a free-kick easily fielded by Richard Wilmot, and Dean Powles shot over before Hitchin doubled their lead. Josh Sozzo showed great strength to outmuscle Rob Gould, turn and fire home inside the area. 2-0 Hitchin

The scoreline was harsh on United who had played the better football, but once again an end product was lacking. Hitchin, on the other hand, had gladly taken the chances on offer yet apparently posed little threat.

A cross from the right flank nearly brought about a chance for Aylesbury, defender Leon Townley on hand to clear the ball from beneath his own crossbar. Paul Edgeworth then headed the resultant corner onto the top of the goal net.

With half an hour played Hitchin came out of their shell a bit more and began to find further chances falling for them. Ryan Jenner blasted a free-kick well wide, before Phelan went close with a shot on the turn.

Hitchin's best chance to extend their lead came a minute before the break. The lively Sozzo got away down the left flank, and played in the arriving Daniel French who placed his effort well over the bar.

Half-time: Hitchin 2-0 Aylesbury

Aylesbury introduced Jamie Kearns in the second half for Greg Williams, and the Ducks started on top with Lazarus and Powles shooting wide early on.

Edgeworth saw a shot well saved by former United keeper Wilmot, having burst through with the ball and going for goal with his left foot.

Kearns was unfortunate to be forced of the pitch moments later with an injury, to be replaced by youngster Aston Goss.

Aylesbury's fight since the interval had been worthy of a goal, and it duly came just past the hour mark. Drew Roberts won a corner with a shot, and Mead's long kick was headed back by Matt Hayward and into the net by Gavin Jaggard. 2-1 Hitchin

The goal roused the spirits amongst the Aylesbury faithful, but the joy turned to despair when Hitchin added a third just two minutes later. The tricky Phelan was fouled just outside the area by Rob Gould, and the striker picked himself up to curl the free-kick home past Jack Rashid who was rooted to the spot. 3-1 Hitchin

The match started to get stretched as Aylesbury searched for another goal, Roberts firing over at one end before French saw a low shot gathered in by Rashid at the other. Rashid then made a superb save to keep out Stuart Lochhead's free-kick.

As the game went on United pushed more men forward to try and haul themselves back into the game, and by the end were playing a four-man strikeforce of Joe, Jaggard, Gould and Goss with Roberts supporting.

Gould went close to netting when he fired wide Edgeworth's dangerous cross, and Jaggard had a shot blocked after Joe had got in a good cross this time.

The Ducks were finally rewarded for their perseverance with a second goal. Rob Gould was on hand to guide the ball home for his third goal in three games, to give United renewed hope in the closing minutes.

Indeed, United could've snatched a dramatic equaliser right on full-time. A deep ball into the box allowed Edgeworth to pounce, but his header bounced cruelly against the upright, but it wasn't to be and Hitchin clung on for the points.