NEWLY crowned Combined Counties League champions Hartley Wintney were applauded onto the field by their hosts Spelthorne Sports, but they then went on to beat the home side 2-1.

The first chance of the match fell to Hartley’s Adam Everiss on 10 minutes who shot narrowly wide after being set up by Zack Horkan.

On 16 minutes, the visiting Row took the lead when Ross Cook scored with a good shot from 25 yards after being set up by Everiss. The home side responded and Jake Maddock was called into action on 22 minutes with a good foot save from Lee Staples.

Maddock’s was called into action again five minutes later, with a smart stop from Joe Hughes. A period of Hartley pressure saw them increase the lead on the half hour mark.

A left wing corner was not properly cleared and Julian Sills scored from close range.

The home side then went close as Hughes found space behind the Hartley defence and he was unlucky to see his lob over the advancing Maddock bounce over the crossbar.

Two minutes before the break, Cook found space in the penalty area, but then saw his shot hit the crossbar.

Spelthorne had most of the play at the start of the second half, but the first shot came from Hartley on 66 minutes, when Dean Stow brought out a fine save from Simon Mur.

Spelthorne reduced the deficit on 69 minutes, when Staples found space on the left hand side and scored with a low shot from 20 yards.

Hartley’s Shane Hollomby then sent Cook through on 82 minutes, but the outrushing goalkeeper produced a good save.

Four minutes from time visiting goalkeeper Maddock produced a point blank save with his shoulder from Josh Remedios ensuring another three points for the Row.

Hartley complete their league championship winning campaign with a home game against Camberley tomorrow (1pm).