HARTLEY Wintney missed out on a league and cup double as they lost in the final of the Aldershot Senior Cup to Fleet Town 4-2 at the EBB Stadium in Aldershot.

This trophy has eluded the Row since 1981 when they beat Portals 3-1 in the final.

This proved to be the case once again as a jaded looking Hartley lost to neighbours Fleet who deservedly lifted the trophy.

Fleet started the brighter with Danilo Cadete and Dan Williamson posing problems down the right with fast breaks from defence.

On six minutes it was the same pair who combined and set up the opening goal. An accurate cross from the right found the unmarked Rob Carr on the edge of the penalty box and the winger despatched an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

Hartley responded and on 11 minutes their first effort arrived when Liam Eagle’s back header from a set piece went across the face of the goal and just wide.

Cadete switched wings and on 20 minutes created space for cross into the Hartley box which found Ben Toye who shot over.

A minute later Liam Eagle was unable to clear his lines and Rob Carr sent in a low shot from 25 yards which went just past the post.

On 24 minutes Rob Carr did well to get a cross in from the right side goal line and Simba Miambo was unlucky to see his effort go wide.

At the other end Hartley had a chance when a Steve Duff free kick on 27 minutes found the head of Dean Stow at the near post and the midfielder was unlucky to see his effort deflected wide.

Three minutes later the Row again came close when a cross from Duff landed on top of the crossbar.

On 32 minutes the light blues increased their lead. A long clearance from defence found Simba Miambo .

The centre forward held the ball up well before releasing Rob Carr. The winger ran on a scored past the outrushing Paul Strudley.

Hartley had a chance soon after when Shane Hollomby set up Stow who saw his effort well saved by Fleet keeper Ryan Pryce.

Two minutes later things got even worse for the Row when a cross into the penalty box was handled by Shane Hollomby. Rob Carr stepped up and scored easily to complete his hat- trick.

Hartley had a good spell of pressure and on 40 minutes reduced the deficit.

A Steven Duff free-kick on the left led to a scramble on the Fleet goal line.

The ball eventually finished up in the net and Adam Liddle was credited as the scorer.

Two minutes before the break a good through ball from Tom Walsh set Dean Stow free and his fierce shot brought out a good save from Ryan Pryce.

Hartley forced the early pace at the start of the second half and on 49 minutes a long throw from Steve Noakes led to a good overhead kick attempt by Adam Liddle which went over.

On 52 minutes Fleet almost increased their lead when a lofted shot from Danilo Cadete produced a good save from Paul Strudley who pushed the ball over the crossbar.

On 68 minutes the Row had a let off when Cadete and Carr sent in low crosses across the face of the Hartley goal which resulted in pinball and the Row very lucky to survive.

Three minutes later Hartley were again lucky to survive when a free kick on the left from Ben White created problems.

In another minute Cadete released Miambo through the middle from a breakaway.

The striker’s fierce parting shot brought an excellent save from Paul Strudley.

Fleet continued to press and on 74 minutes ;after some good build up play; Ben White saw his shot from the edge of the box deflected wide.

Two minutes later Dan Williamson went on an overlapping run down the right and his cross was headed wide by Simba Miambo.

Soon after Rob Carr and Danilo Cadete combined to give the later a one on one with Paul Strudley which brought a good stop from the Row goalkeeper.

The rebound fell to Mitch Parker who saw his effort again saved by Strudley.

Relieved by the let off Hartley attacked and on 81 minutes reduced the arrears. A high ball into the penalty area saw Adam Liddle challenge keeper Pryce beyond the far post . The young striker did well to get in a cross which found Liam Eagle who fired home from 10 yards.

Two minutes later Fleet made the game safe with a fourth goal. Rob Carr set overlapping Williamson free on the right and the wing back fired a low shot past Strudley from the edge of the penalty box.

To compound a disappointing evening for the Row Steve Noakes received a straight red card from referee Federico Ardiles in added time for a very strong challenge.

Hartley joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "It was a bitter blow as it would have been the icing on the cake of what has been a remarkable season both on and off the pitch.

"We came up against a good Fleet side when we ourselves were not out our best. A shame, but a lesson in what we can expect next season."

He added: "The result hurts and it's going to sit with me and our boys for the next couple of days, but once it clears and we have time to reflect I think we can say it's been a great season.

"For us though, the work never stops, whilst the boys down tools, we have to go away and prepare for the next campaign. We're not prepared to simply make up the numbers next season, it's not what this club is about."

Hartley have received confirmation that next season they will play in the Southern League Division One Central.