HARTLEY Wintney came from behind to secure an emphatic win 6-1 win at lowly Arlesey Town.

The win means that the Row now are level with leaders Moneyfields on points, but the Portsmouth based outfit remain top of the southern League Division One, by virtue of scoring one goal more.

Hartley were soon on the attack in this game and following a long throw from Callum Eagle on two minutes, James Tennant shot narrow past after good interplay at the edge of the penalty box.

The Row remained on the offensive and on eight minutes Jake Baxter and James Tennant combined well to set up Argent who fired narrowly past the post.

The home sides first effort came after 16 minutes when a long goal kick from goalkeeper Dion Gibbs went behind the Hartley defence leaving the pacey striker Yemi Adelani with a clear run in on goal.

The Row’s debutant ‘keeper Frederick Gee pulled off a good save.

The Row resumed on the attack and on 21 minutes a short corner on the right led to a Paul Hodges shot which was deflected over.

One minute later, the Blues took the lead. Good interplay between Yemi Adelani and Kim Forsythe led to latter having a free run in on goal.

The striker calmly rounded goalkeeper Gee and stroked the ball into the empty net.

The Hartley response was virtually immediate.

Paul Hodges ran at the right side with pace and was upended in the penalty area by Kye Andrews. Sam Argent took the kick and scored with a strong drive.

Things got better for the Row two minutes later, when a long throw from Steve Noakes was not properly cleared by the Arlesey defence.

The ball fell to Jake Baxter who fired home from 10 yards.

On 29 minutes, a strong run from Josh Webb saw his low cross just missed by Argent.

The home side responded and good work between Adelani and Forsythe four minutes later saw Gee produce a smart save from the former.

The home side remained on the front foot and had a chance when Gee rushed out of his area to clear.

The ball arrived at Elias Moses whose lob from distance was just kept out by the rapidly backtracking Row keeper.

The Row increased their lead on 37 minutes following a darting run from Paul Hodges.

The striker set up James Tennant who fired low into the net from the edge of the box to make it 3-1 On the stroke of half time the Blues goalkeeper made an astonishing save when he pushed over a fierce shot from Liam Eagle who had been set up by Steve Noakes.

Hartley quickly got on top and looked to increase the lead.

On 54 minutes a good run from Paul Hodges saw a pass to Jake Baxter who saw his effort blocked. The resulting short corner was deflected out for a second corner.

The accurate flag kick from Tennant found Liam Eagle who powered his header in for number four.

The Row remained in command and on 67 minutes a long pass from Josh Webb saw Jake Baxter, who linked up with Argent who fired home number five.

The beleaguered home defence did well to keep the score down but conceded a sixth on 76 minutes.

An amazing bout of passing across the pitch between five Row players saw Argent feed Hodges who made no mistake from 18 yards.

Hartley went close to adding more but the Blues replied with an effort on 88 minutes following a rare defensive lapse. Kye Andrews saw his effort well saved by Gee. Joint manager Anthony Millerick said: “We are always likely to score goals and felt confident even when we went behind. The team played good football today which was pleasing to watch.

He added: “Great credit to Frederick Gee for stepping in at short notice and playing so well. I am always delighted to see one of our youngsters making his debut and Jack Dansie did well. “What can you say about Steve Duff!!. Forced into playing left full back and he looked as though he had played there for his entire football career.”

Hartley are next in action on Wednesday night at Farnborough in the Southern League Cup.

In the Hampshire Senior Cup, they have been drawn at home to Alresford.