A HARTLEY Wintney side plagued by injuries and suspensions, travelled to Stompound Lane to face Walton and Hersham, potentially the biggest threat to the Rows big lead at the top and unfortunately lost 1-0.

The early stages of the match found both sides struggling to find space and play was confined to midfield.

Hartley had the first effort of note on 19 minutes when a good flowing move involving Luke Perkins and Sam Argent set up Steve Duff.

The winger's shot brought a good save from Liam Breach in the Walton goal.

The Swans took the lead on 22 minutes, as Malachi Thomas used his pace to good effect with a run down the right wing.

His low cross brought a scramble in front of the Hartley goal and the ball fell kindly for Elliott Simpson to shoot home from close range.

Chances were few and far between but on 36 minutes, Argent created some space and his shot brought a smart save from Breach.

Duff was a threat to the Swans down the left wing but his crosses were anticipated well by goalkeeper Breach.

Hartley started the second period well but were unable to force their way past a determined home defence.

On 56 minutes, the Swans almost increased their lead. Helped by a few favourable breaks of the ball down the left it was fed into Jamil Okai.

The striker held off a challenge on the edge of the box and his low shot went just past the post.

A lengthy period followed with little fluent play with countless stoppages. The main threat to providing a goal came from Swans' Billy Marshall who supplied accurate corners and free kicks.

A free-kick on 72 minutes saw Marshall’s effort just clear the crossbar.

Hartley had a chance from a free kick on the edge of the box after French was fouled.

Duff's effort beat the wall but Breach was well positioned to save. Five minutes later Duff was out of luck again.

A good lobbed pass from Perkins found the winger in the box and he finished well.

However, before the celebrations could begin the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.

The Row finished the match strongly and forced two corners in added time.

From the second Perkins' flag kick found the head of Duff who headed narrowly over.

After the game joint manager Danny Brownlie said: "Needless to say it was a disappointing result but for large spells of the game we played well, I'd argue we deserved more out of the game.

"Yes, we had a couple of players missing, but we still went into the game with plenty of confidence and had more than enough quality to win the game.

He added: "We went close a number of times including a goal ruled out for offside, but it wasn't to be. There's no panic, just a renewed sense of focus to ensure that on Tuesday we deliver a performance and the right result."

Tuesday night sees Hartley in Hampshire Senior Cup action with a visit from Wessex League side Lymington Town.