Hitchin 0 Halesowen 1
Halesowen returned to winning ways in the British Gas Premier with this narrow victory over nine-man Hitchin at Pilot Field.
The Yeltz started well and made it count on 21 minutes. Team-mates Aaron Cornwall and Jermaine Bennett had been particularly lively and both challenged for the ball in the penalty area, which Cornwall won with his back to goal.
He turned and fired home from close range, with keeper Martin Bennett stranded after his earlier challenge.
Hitchin finally exerted some pressure near the end of the first half, Daniel Charge forcing a save from Yeltz keeper Nick Bussey.
The home side should have equalised in the 65th minute. Mark E'Beyer got in behind the Halesowen defence but Bussey stood firm to make a great save.
Hitchin's task got harder on 69 minutes when, right back Tom Pepper was sent off for picking up his second yellow, again for deliberate handball.
The Yeltz had to survive some late Hitchin pressure before E'Beyer and Yeltz captain Michael Briscoe were involved in a minor altercation, with both being booked.
But E'Beyer was sent off for his second yellow.
Halesowen: Bussey, Briscoe, Cowley, Canoville, Hoyte, Barreto, Denny, Nurse, Palmer (Smith 89), Danks (Abbey 72), Cornwall.
Referee: B Williams.
