A late Callum Stead winner gave Hitchin Town a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Barwell at Top Field on Monday evening

Mark Burke's Canaries sealed a dramatic win after the lively Stead broke through to lift the ball over onrushing Barwell keeper Max Bramley with only 120 seconds remaining.

The late strike saw Stead's entire team engulf him in joyous celebrations at the Bedford Road end, including keeper Charlie Horlock.

Earlier, hero Stead had put the home side ahead in the 12th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse.

In an enthralling game Guy Hadland's side equalised five minutes later to make it 1-1, through No9 Tristan Dunkley following a through ball from Joel Carta after the Canaries backline switched off.

In an open match the Fishponds Road outfit went 2-1 ahead on the half hour mark, with Alex Brown slotting home a clinical spot-kick after a foul in the box.

In a second half full of endeavour from both sides, Jahvan Davidson-Miller levelled with 16 minutes remaining after a low strike into the bottom corner past Horlock to make it 2-2.

However, as the clock ticked down, Burke's brave boys refused to abandon their search for a deserved winner, with Stead's cool finish sending the majority of the official attendance of 375 into raptures at the late winner.

Hitchin host Cheshunt on Saturday in the second preliminary round of the FA Cup.

Stay tuned to Hitchin Nub News for exciting news about the Canaries later this week!