HARTLEY Wintney completed back-to-back Combined Counties League Premier Division titles following a scoreless draw at Chertsey.

The day was all about crossing the line and first up were Toni and Colin Charlton. The popular Hartley couple arrived at Alwyns Lane to rapturous applause from the Hartley players and followers.

They had completed a sponsored walk from Hartley to Chertsey to raise funds for ground development.

The Row were hoping to make it third time lucky after being thwarted in the two previous weeks in their quest to retain the title.

Both sides struggled badly to cope with a very uneven surface from the outset.

The first chance went to the hosts when a long clearance caught out the away defence.

This left Joel Thompson with a clear run in on goal.

However Adam New managed to get back and block the striker’s goal bound effort.

Hartley’s first chance came on 16 minutes when a free-kick from Dean Stow found the head of Liam Eagle who went wide.

The Row managed a further effort on 31 minutes when a corner was only partially cleared.

The ball was retrieved by Louis Paget and his long range strike went just past the post.

A minute later, the Curfews were awarded a free-kick wide on the left. Jack Wadmore hit a fierce shot which Paul Strudley did well to tip over the bar.

Hartley started the second half on top and on 54 minutes a Stow corner caused problems before the ball went wide.

On the hour mark, a good move down the right saw an accurate cross from Luke Perkins headed wide by Stow when well placed.

The Row continued to press and a chance came on 65 minutes when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.

Dean Stow’s well struck shot brought an excellent stop from the Curlews’s goal keeper Joe Gannon who pushed the ball over the bar.

On 86 minutes the Chertsey goalkeeper handled the ball outside the area giving the Row a free-kick chance on the edge of the box. Dean Stow took the kick but was high with his effort.

Moving into the last five minutes and with the Row closing in on crossing the line as champions, things became very nervy.

A long clearance on 86 minutes deceived the Hartley defence and Tom Walsh was forced to haul down a home forward in full flight.

The result was a second yellow card from referee Rachel Marlow. This was followed by a red card and Hartley were down to 10 men.

The subsequent free-kick on the edge of the box was blocked by the Hartley wall. Chertsey continued to force the pace and in the third minute of added time were awarded a free-kick on the left wing.

The dangerous in swinging kick was held under considerable pressure by Strudley.

Soon afterwards the full time whistle sounded and the Row players, managers and coaches could start their celebrations after winning another title.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "There is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment this year because it's been a complete club effort. The heartache of not being promoted last year could have broken many, but the whole club both on and off the field rallied and everyone stepped up their game."