SAM Argent hit a hat-trick as Hartley Wintney maintained their fantastic start to the season by reaching the first round proper of the FA Vase.

The village club beat Milton United 4-1 at the Memorial Ground on Saturday to record yet another victory.

Argent opened the scoring after just eight minutes, controlling a long pass and firing home to give Hartley the lead.

Hellenic League outfit Milton pulled level against the run of play, finding the net from distance, but Hartley soon got back on top, with Aaron Parfitt hitting the post.

Argent restored the lead seven minutes before the break after good combination play with Shane Hollamby. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half, firing home from the edge of the area.

Parfitt saw his penalty saved as Hartley looked to make the game safe, but the hosts did add a fourth goal with six minutes left, Ian Jones following up to score after Parfitt had hit the post for the second time in the match.

Hartley will host another Hellenic League side, Wokingham and Emmbrook, in the first round proper on October 31.

They are in FA Cup action on Saturday, making the trip to National League South side Eastbourne Borough in the third qualifying round.