HARTLEY Wintney progressed to the final of the Aldershot Senior Cup, thanks to three quick goals in the early part of the second half, as they won at Farnham Town 3-1.

A good crowd turned up to witness the two local rivals lock horns at Mead Lane.

Hartley held the edge for the most of the first half and created a number of half chances which they were unable to convert.

Sam Argent went close twice on the fourth and sixth minutes; just failing to convert a cross and then a corner from Steven Duff. On 21 minutes good link up play between Ian Jones and Sam Argent set up Luke Perkins who fired over.

The home side had a rare effort when Nick Medcraft tried his luck from distance but found Paul Strudley well positioned to save.

Hartley came close to opening the scoring on 32 minutes. A Duff corner on the right gave a chance to Steve Noakes who saw his effort blocked.

The ball fell to Dean Stow who was unlucky to see his effort clip the top of the crossbar.

A free-kick some 25 yards out saw Duff’s effort go just past the post.

Approaching half time Jack French saw his shot also go just wide and Duff then brought out a smart save from home goalie Richard Ossai.

The Row started the second half brightly and took the lead on 53 minutes.

Progress was made through midfield before Duff was released on the left side of the penalty area.

The home defence appealed for offside, as Duff’s cross was converted by Stow.

The assistant referee did not flag for offside and after discussion with the referee the goal stood.

Two minutes later, the Row increased their lead. Strong play by Luke Perkins gave Argent a chance through the middle and the striker made no mistake.

In another three minutes it was 3-0. A back pass to the goalkeeper by a Farnham defender was too short, allowing Argent to nip in and shot past Ossai.

Hartley were content to hold the lead and used all three substitutes. One of these saw Adam Everiss return after a long spell abroad.

On 77 minutes Duff created a chance and fired just over.

Then eight minutes from time, the home side scored a consolation goal after a forward went down in the penalty area. Stan Staines took the resulting penalty and scored.

It is understood that the provisional date for the final is Wednesday May 10 at Aldershot, against Fleet Town.

After the game joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: “Farnham started with five at the back and one up front so it was clear what they were trying to do and in fairness it worked for 45 minutes. The moment we found the breakthrough though they then had to come at us and from there we took control of the game.

“Defensively we were superb Noakes and Eagle ate up everything they had to offer.”