DURING a bitterly cold evening the Hartley team warmed the souls of the Row faithful and moved into the first round proper of the FA Trophy at the expense of near neighbours Farnborough with a 2-1 victory.

In front of 255 spectators it was Boro who had the first effort in the first minute when Perry Coles ran from midfield and saw his parting shot go just past the post.

Hartley responded, and Steven Duff made good progress down the left after five minutes and his cross caused panic in the home penalty box before the Boro eventually cleared their lines.

During a good spell the Row deservedly went ahead on 23 minutes. A 25-yard free-kick from Dean Stow beat the Boro wall, with the hosts keeper Aiden Upward unable to hold the ball and in the ensuing scramble Paul Hodges reacted quickest to poke the ball into the net.

Moments later Boro went close when a Coles corner on the right found the head of Adam Everitt whose effort went narrowly over the bar.

However, it was Hartley who continued to press and on 39 minutes were awarded a free kick in a similar position as the previous one which led to the goal. Stow again took the kick but this time Upward just about held on to the effort.

Boro almost pulled level on 41 minutes when the Row had a real scare. A Coles free-kick beat the Hartley wall and looked destined for the top corner, but somehow Paul Strudley managed to get across his goal and push the ball onto the crossbar.

The rebound fell to Jamie Cureton who saw his effort from a bad angle go through a forest of players on the goal line before going wide.

Hartley started the half on the front foot and following a slick move on 50 minutes Rowan Vine shot wide from the edge of the area.

The Row increased their lead on 54 minutes with a goal of quality.

A clever piece of interplay down the left between Vine and Duff saw the latter deliver an accurate cross for the waiting Jake Baxter at the back post to send a fierce volley crashing into the net.

Boro almost made an immediate reply when Coles created space and saw his effort from the edge of the box saved by Strudley.

With 15 minutes of the game left Boro had a series of corners and finally reduced the arrears.

Another Coles corner on the right was headed home by Connor Calcutt.

The hosts were nearly level on 82 minutes when a cross from Jack Barton saw a good effort from Jack Huggins well saved by Strudley.

The final whistle brought much celebration from the villagers who progressed through deservedly to face full time Conference National side Bromley at home.