By David Graham

Hartley Wintney claimed all three points against Ascot United as the two sides met for the second time in four days.

The Row started the brighter and edged ahead on seven minutes.

A period of pressure ended with Mason Obeng seeing his shot partly blocked. It ran kindly into the path of Conor Lynch who shot home from 12 yards. (1-0)

Decent play down the left by the Row on 13 minutes presented an opportunity to Adam Payce and his parting shot was saved by Yellas keeper Mark Scott. 

Four minutes later Mo Jallow showed good skill to get through the Ascot defence and was unlucky to see his shot blocked.

The first Ascot chance arrived on 24 minutes when a corner into a crowded area saw Jordan Ajanlekoko head over.

Two minutes later the Row’s debutant goalie Adam Melville slipped when trying to clear and the ball arrived at Ben Harris.

The Yellas striker saw his lob towards the empty net drift just over the crossbar.

Ascot gained the ascendancy towards the end of the half forcing a number of promising set piece situations. However the Hartley defence held firm

Ascot started the second half strongly and after s short spell of pressure a snap shot from Liam Tack went just wide.

A minute later Hartley had a chance with the ball arriving at Payce who saw his effort saved.

On 58 minutes the Row were unlucky not to increase the lead. Mason Obeng went on a fine individual run through the middle and ended with his parting shot taking a deflection which Scott did well to save.

Ascot pressed hard towards the end. On 80 minutes Taylor Morgan made space on the right and his cross was met by Tack and McCormack who were thwarted by a brave save from Melville on the goal line.

Two minutes from the end a fast break from the Row saw Lynch cross and Marcio Neves was unlucky to slip just as he was about to convert. 

Hartley held on to claim the points and move up towards the play off zone.