HARTLEY Wintney FC pulled off a major coup by stunning Hampshire Senior Cup holders Havant and Waterlooville with an “exceptional” performance on Tuesday night.

Ross Cook’s brace for the Row helped secure a famous 2-1 win over a team competing two leagues above them in the Ryman Premier League.

The win sees Hartley better last season’s first-round exit when they lost on penalties to Tadley Calleva FC, to progress to the third round of this year’s contest.

Joint manger Daniel Brownlie said: “We knew this was a big occasion for this club and against the sides that we perceive as higher than us, we have a good recent history.

“Our players relish that ‘underdog’ title because as reigning champions in the league,we often get the ‘favourites’ tag.”

Hartley Wintney started brightest when the in-form Cook fed Adam Everiss who stormed down the right wing to cross over to Sam Argent, but the forward was unable to convert, heading a fraction wide on two minutes.

The Hawks’ Jake Gale found space nine minutes later, but struck wide and Hartley managed to regain a footing in the match.

The scores were tied at halftime, but it only took the hosts four minutes after the restart to break the deadlock. Argent flicked on a throw to Cook, with the striker turning both central defenders before nudging the ball past Harris.

With just over half an hour left, Hartley doubled their advantage.

Argent once again turned provider, hitting the ball on to the rushing Cook who fired a low shot past the outrushing goalkeeper.

Jake Maddock was called into action as the half wore on –saving another Rutherford strike and substitute Matt Paterson’s shot.

But with 10 minutes left on the clock, the Hawks’s pressure paid off as Paterson unleashed a stinging shot from 25 yards out to make for an uneasy end.

The Row weathered the storm, thanks in part to the heroic Maddock, and teenager defenders Louie Paget and Adam New.

“This was the best performance of our season,” Brownlie said.

Hartley Wintney return to the Combined County League’s Premier Division with an away game at Badshot Lea. Match report by David Graham.