ANOTHER good crowd saw Hartley Wintney became champions elect with a 3-1 win over visiting second placed Westfield to move them 23 points clear.

Westfield were very quick out of the blocks and took the lead in the second minute.

A Hartley attack broke down and the ball was fed into the path of Hignam Abdellah on the right wing.

He moved at pace and delivered a perfect cross which was steered into the net by Max Blackmore from eight yards out.

Things almost got even better for the visitors a minute later, when a good cross from the right by Abdellah, saw a header from Max Blackmore hit the top of the crossbar. Westfield continued to be on top and Shaun Elliot delivered a good cross after a left wing move which saw Max Blackmore head over.

Hartley came into the game and on 14 minutes pulled level.

A long throw on the left from Steve Noakes saw a flick on by Adam New and Adam Liddle volleyed into the net from around the penalty spot.

Westfield responded well and on 21 minutes a long ball downfield was flicked on by Blackmore into the path of Abdellah who shot past when well placed.

Four minutes later Hartley almost repeated their opening goal. A long throw from Noakes saw a flick on from New and goalie Gary Ross saved Adam Liddle’s effort.

Approaching half time Hartley applied some pressure.

First on 43 minutes Sam Argent set up Steven Duff who fired wide.

Then Dean Stow’s free-kick from distance went just over.

Deep into stoppage time a corner from Duff found Shane Hollomby, who headed over.

The second half saw a very tight affair with both defences denying space to their opponents.

It was not until the 64th minute that the first shot was recorded when a good build up by the visitors saw Tyrone Hemmings shoot just over from the edge of the penalty box.

Hartley started to gain an initiative in midfield and on 74 minutes took the lead with a goal of quality.

Good build up play saw Argent receive the ball. He looked up and sent a 30 yard pass to the left where Duff was waiting.

The winger took on the full back for pace and once in the penalty box fired a low shot past Ross.

On 84 minutes a cross from the right by Stow saw an acrobatic overhead kick from Argent go narrowly past the post.

However, the striker was not to be denied and a minute later a long ball saw Argent through on goal and he made no mistake.

In added on time substitute George Hallahan played an intelligent pass to Argent and his shot brought a good block from goalie Ross.

The Row left the field to the applause of their supporters knowing that the Championship is likely to be in their hands over the next few weeks.

Hartley joint manager Anthony Millerick said after the game: “We were determined not to lose two games on the bounce after the disappointment of Tuesday.

“Westfield are a good side and we knew they would pose us problems. All at the club were thrilled today with the performance of Adam Liddle. He took his goal well and could easily have had another. The 17-year-old works very hard and is a real prospect.

“All in all I was pleased with the way the entire 14 players performed. They all did well.”

Hartley’s next game in the Combined Counties Premier League Premier Division is away at fifth placed Epsom and Ewell.