A STYLISH second half performance gave Hartley Wintney victory as Nic Ciardini grabbed a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Uxbridge, writes DAVID GRAHAM.

Barring a mathematical miracle this now means that the Row have reached the play off stage of the Southern League Division One West and are still very much in the hunt for an automatic promotion slot.

Cole Brown created a couple of early chances for Uxbridge with runs down the left wing.

His crosses found Maguire and Dylan Kearney who were unable to convert.

It was Hartley who struck first on 11 minutes. A corner from Dean Stow found the head of Liam Eagle and his flick on was rifled home by Nic Ciardini.

On 43 minutes Jake Baxter did well to set up Ciardini and the striker saw his effort saved by Paul McCarthy in the Uxbridge goal.

The Row took a firm grip on the game after the break and turned on the style. On 49 minutes a Dean Stow cross was almost converted by Ciardini and Jake Baxter.

On 51 minutes a through ball allowed Josh Webb space on the left and the midfielders cross was converted by Nic Ciardini from close range.

Jake Baxter created space for himself coming in from the left on 56 minutes and was unlucky to see his shot over McCarthy go past the post. Two minutes later a slick move involving Dean Stow and Paul Hodges gave Jack French a chance.

The midfielder’s effort went just past the post.

On 60 minutes Hartley added a third. A 30-yard pass from the left wing by James Tennant allowed Ciardini a clear run in on goal and the striker dinked the ball over the advancing McCarthy to increase the Row lead.

Hartley were threatening to run riot and after some pressure added a fourth on 67 minutes. Jake Baxter chased a long pass and caught the ball on the by line. As he attempted to round a retreating defender he was fouled and a penalty awarded. Dean Stow made no mistake from the spot.

Uxbridge responded and on 74 minutes Dylan Kearney created space for a shot which was saved by a well positioned Paul Strudley.

Hartley responded and two minutes later Nick Hutchings and Ty Smith combined well resulting in the latter’s snap shot bringing out a save from McCarthy.

Dean Stow tried his luck from distance and was unlucky to see his effort skim the top of the crossbar.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: “In the first half we were not able to get forward as often as we would have liked. Each department played well but not quite so well as a complete unit.

“It was a really good second half performance by the team. Great to see Nic Ciardini score a hat trick and Josh Webb did not put a foot wrong in midfield.

He added: “ At this stage of the season the three points are the priority. However it was pleasing to see such a professional display from the team; especially in the second half.

“Another pleasing aspect was the fact that for the first time this season we have kept back to back clean sheets.

“We are in the play offs but definitely not out of the automatic promotion race yet with several of the other top teams still to play one another.”

This Tuesday, Hartley are in Aldershot Senior Cup action against Farnham and then on Thursday in the league they entertain Fleet.