HARTLEY Wintney maintained their three point gap at the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division with a hard fought 2-1 win over visiting local rivals Farnham Town.

The home side were the first to come close to scoring after 25 minutes, when a looping header from Shane Hollomby hit the top of the crossbar.

Hartley took the lead after 34 minutes from a free-kick as Steven Duff fired in an unstoppable effort from 25 yards out.

The home side started the second half brightly and on 50 minutes Mark Petts brought off a good stop from Dean Stow.

Just before the hour, Farnham were level when a good left wing cross was headed in by Jon Lancashire.

Hartley took just two minutes to regain the lead, as a free kick on the edge of the penalty box saw Dean Stow shoot low beneath a jumping Farnham wall and into the corner of the net.

On 79 minutes a good flowing move saw Adam Everiss from the edge of the box force a save from Matt Petts.

The Farnham keeper was again in action in the final five minutes, as he pulled off a good close range save from Sam Argent. Two minutes later, Petts came a long way out to make a clearance, which only went to Argent. The Hartley striker tried a lob him from 30 yards, but his effort hit the crossbar.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "A very good win. We were eager to rectify the poor performance we had in the away fixture against Farnham.

"They're a strong and well organised side but we knew that if we played anywhere near our best we'd be confident of taking all three points. We played well, we dominate the large proportion of the game. Simply put, we were effective."

He added: "Two great free kicks won us the game but we did create numerous second half chances that should of had us out of sight. I think the score line flattered Farnham slightly, we should have been more clinical, but still very pleased to take all three points!

Looking forward to Saturday's game against Colliers Wood, Brownlie said: "It'll be the third time we have played Colliers Wood this season, we have beaten them 3-1 on both other occasions including a win in the Vase. We're always confident, but we know they have plenty of strengths. As always we'll prepare right and go into the game fully focussed."