Hartley Wintney moved into the play-off zone with a comfortable win over lowly Guernsey, writes David Graham.

The Row had the better of the opening period and on 12 minutes Reece Wylie combined with Taylor Morgan who saw his effort saved by the Green Lions goalie Josh Addison.  

Four minutes later there was a scramble in the visitors area which ended when Jayden Smith saw his effort saved.

Guernsey had a decent spell during the midpoint of the half and Owen Wallbridge did well to set up Charlton Galivain who saw his well-struck effort blocked.

On 36 minutes Mason Obeng set up Smith who saw his parting effort well saved by Addison. 

Reece Wylie and Marcio Neves combined well on the left on 42 minutes and Addison again did well to save from the former.

On the stroke of halftime Hartley finally went ahead. Neves showed good skill down the left and his cross found Reece Wylie who shot home from 10 yards. (1-0)

The Green Lions made a promising start to the second period and on 54 minutes Dave Merris set up Wallbridge whose shot was well saved.

The visitors continued to press but were caught out by a classic breakaway goal from Hartley on 56 minutes.

After the Row had defended a spell of pressure a measured pass from defence by Obeng sent Marcio Neves clear. 

The Row forward outpaced the visitors' defence before running on and shooting past Addison. (2-0)

Two minutes later Hartley could have added a third when Obeng again became a provider and his cross was headed over by Morgan.

With Hartley in the ascendancy Elijas Bogdanovicius played in Smith who brought out a good save from Addison.

The Row put together a good move on 70 minutes when Obeng and Neves combined to set up George Wallace who saw his shot go just wide.

Hartley remained on top and on 77 minutes a shot from distance by Natty Boakye was saved by Addison.

Guernsey finished well, but were unable to fashion a clear-cut chance and the Row held on to claim the three points.