ROSS Cook scored his third hat-tick of the season as defending champions Hartley Wintney moved seven points clear at the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division table after a 3-1 victory over visiting Knaphill, writes DAVID GRAHAM.

Hartley found it difficult to make progress in the early stages against a well organised visiting side.

On 13 minutes the Knaphill took the lead. Danny Taylor made a good run on the right wing and on taking a return pass went clear into the penalty box.

Adam Everiss upended the winger before he could shoot and a penalty was awarded. Jimmy Norman stepped up to score with a low shot.

Hartley’s first chance came on 22 minutes, when a Dean Stow free-kick saw Shane Hollamby out jump Richard Shelly in the Knaphill goal and head just over the bar.

On 35 minutes Shelley was again called into action. A long throw from Callum Eagle saw the ball cleared to the edge of the box and a fierce shot by Everiss was blocked by the goalkeeper's legs.

Seven minutes later, Knaphill had a quick breakaway down the left and Timmy Taylor created space for a shot which Craig Bradshaw did well to keep out.

The Row’s goalkeeper gave a helping hand at the other end of the field on the stroke of half time. He sent a long kick downfield, which saw Sam Argent win a header allowing Ross Cook a run on goal. The striker clipping the ball past Richard Shelley from 18 yards.

Hartley quickly got on top in the early stages of the second half a forced a number of corners.

On 57 minutes, Steven Duff saw a fierce shot deflected past the post and from the resulting corner Argent headed narrowly wide.

The pressure continued and the Row got their reward on 69 minutes. Good interplay between Argent and Cook saw the latter with a chance.

However, he was pulled down in the penalty area before he could shoot. Cook took the kick in a calm manner and scored with a low shot .

Straight from the kick-off Knaphill almost equalised. Timmy Taylor showed good trickery down the left wing and his accurate cross found Charlie Postance. The striker's snap shot hit the top of the crossbar.

The visitors continued to press forward and a long run out of defence from centre back Scott Costello saw a lay off to Jimmy Norman.

Hartley were relieved to see Norman’s accurate shot just take deflection to go past the post.

On 83 minutes, Knaphill should have equalised. Jack Mazzone did the spadework and fed Charlie Postance who shot past when well positioned.

A minute later, Hartley secured the win with a third goal. A ball from defence saw a flick on by Argent and the impressive Cook bravely got to the pass before Shelley and lobbed the ball into the net.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "I was very pleased with the boys. It was a good all round performance against a strong and resilient Knaphill. They're a difficult team to breakdown, so to score three past them is very good."

Talking about their hat-trick hero Cook said: "Ross Cook was superb, not only in adding another hat-trick to his growing list, but more so with his overall play, determination and attitude.

"We of course know he'll attract attention, he's a very talented player, but Ross is also aware of the support he has around him, not just with the quality of players within our squad on the pitch but the support structure he has off it.

He added: "Shane Hollamby was also superb at the back for us, even the ruthless dogged parts of his game are done with a touch of class, his contribution to the game can't go ignored.

Looking ahead Brownlie said: "We've had a busy run of fixtures so we're pleased to have a little break before Saturday's trip to Horley. It gives us a chance to regroup and work on some areas that need improving. We are as always looking forward to it and can go into the game full of confidence."

Hartley's next home game is in the Hampshire Senior Cup round two tie against holders Havant and Waterlooville on Tuesday September 20.