HARTLEY Wintney took a giant step towards the league title thanks to a stoppage time goal giving them a deserved share of the spoils in their top of the table clash with Ashford Town in the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

The match between the two top sides drew a good crowd to the Robert Parker Stadium.

Hartley started brightly and Sam Argent fashioned a chance for himself in the first minute but his effort was blocked by the outrushing Tyler Tobin in the Ashford goal.

The visitors continued to dominate and Steve Noakes shot over in the third minute following a corner.

The same player could have given Hartley the lead but headed wide following a good left wing cross from Steven Duff.

On 12 minutes Argent released Duff through the middle but the winger's final shot went just past the post.

Ashford took the lead on 35 minutes with their first effort on goal, when Jack Beadle controlled a right wing cross and shot low past Craig Atkinson.

On the stroke of half time Shane Hollomby rose to head a long free kick goalwards and was unlucky to see his effort hit the post.

Argent who picked up a knock in the first half and after the break was replaced by Ross Cook.

On 64 minutes, Duff fashioned a chance but his effort was easily saved by Tobin.

Ashford then forced three corners in a row but Hartley’s defence held firm. From a Steven Duff corner on 73 minutes, Liam Eagle found space but headed over when well placed.

With 10 minutes left, a good free kick from Steve Duff saw an excellent stop from Tobin.

Following a good move by Ashford soon after, Mark Bitmead had a chance and his shot brought a good save from Atkinson.

With Hartley pushing forward the home side had chances on the break.

Firstly on 87 minutes full back Josh Andrew dribbled through the entire Hartley defence but with only Atkinson to beat, stumbled and mis-cued his shot wide.

Then a minute later Mark Bitmead had a clear chance but Atkinson produced a fine stop.

Deep into stoppage time a long ball from defence, saw Shane Hollomby head onwards and Cook ran on to send and excellent header over the advancing Tobin and into the net to claim the draw.

This sparked much celebration from the players, manangement and followers of the Row.

On Wednesday night, Argent scored four goals for the second game running, and Hollomby also got on the scoresheet as Hartley won at Guildford 5-2.

Hartley are now six points clear at the top, ahead of their next game on Easter Monday (11.30am) when Cove are the visitors.