The Daniels were 2-0 home winners over Hitchin Town and their late season push for a top five finish will now go down to the final game of the Southern League Premier Division Central campaign.

A goal in each half from Will Glennon and Harry Vince secured the win which sent the Canaries into the relegation zone.

The Daniels made just one change to their starting line-up following the midweek win at Kettering Town with Callum Chettle coming in for Tom Siddons.

The two teams came into the contest with contrasting aims as Stamford still had aspirations of finishing in the play-offs while Hitchin arrived at the Zeeco Stadium with relegation fears after seeing their campaign drastically fade following a promising start.

The visitors seemed content to soak up any Stamford pressure in the opening exchanges and the Daniels struggled to break down the Canaries in the opening 20 minutes.

As the half progressed, a strong surge from Rhys Hilton created an opening for Jack Duffy who dragged his shot wide.

Hilton fizzed a free-kick wide of the Hitchin goal before the former Halesowen player saw a low shot safely gathered by Canaries custodian Charlie Horlock.

A forceful run from Joel Anker threatened the home side as the first half reached the latter stages but he was unable to get his shot away.

Stamford then broke the deadlock three minutes before the break when Duffy was clipped by Ciaren Jones as he moved to meet a cross and Glennon sent Horlock the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The opening goal meant Hitchin had to show more attacking enterprise after the break and home goalkeeper Michael Duggan had to get down well to cling onto a shot from Stephen Gleeson.

That allowed Stamford more space to create chances and they doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second period when excellent pressure from Duffy won possession before he played the ball into the path of Vince who drilled home his finish.

The Stamford skipper and Duffy both had decent efforts blocked shortly after as Stamford looked to add to their tally.

Duffy had a header held by Horlock while Shane Bush blazed a late chance over the bar for the visitors after goalkeeper Duggan had been forced into a headed clearance outside his area.