CHAMPIONSHIP chasing Hartley entertained in form Horley Town hoping to move even closer to the title and in the end honours were shared with a 2-2 draw, writes DAVID GRAHAM.

The first chance fell to the home side after five minutes, when Sam Argent created a chance for Steven Duff who shot past the post.

Hartley continued to press and a left wing free-kick from Duff was headed wide by Liam Eagle.

Argent then forced his way through the middle and forced a good save from goalkeeper George Hyde, and Argent's rebound was cleared off the line.

Hyde was then in action again on 23 minutes when he tipped over a strong shot from Duff.

On 39 minutes Horley had a chance from a free-kick outside the penalty box. Scott Robson took the kick and Craig Atkinson did well to push the ball wide. The goalkeeper then parried the follow up shot before Hartley cleared their lines.

Hartley started the second half brightly and on 51 minutes took the lead. A long throw from Adam Everiss on the right found Shane Hollomby, whose cross was headed in at the back post by Argent.

Two minutes later, the Row doubled the lead with a similar goal. Hollomby crossed from the right saw Steve Noakes head home from 10 yards out.

Hartley almost made it three just after the hour, as a Argent header was cleared off the line.

On 74 minutes Horley thought they had reduced the arrears when substitute Ashley Nadesan bullet header hit the net, but it was ruled offside.

Hartley were then dealt two setbacks. First the influential Shane Hollomby was required to be substituted after picking up an injury.

Then on 79 minutes Noakes deliberately handled a through ball picking up a yellow card, which being his second saw the home side reduced to 10 men.

With five minutes left, Horley reduced the leeway, after Scott Robson made progress down the right and his cross was forced into the net at the near post by Leyton Regan. Horley piled on the pressure against Row’s 10 men and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 88th minute.

A long throw by Ryan Brackpool was flicked on and Bailey Rumbelow scored at the back post.

Hartley survived the remaining few minutes plus 5 minutes stoppage time without any scares to secure a point.

After the game assistant manager Daniel Brownlie said: "We were disappointed with the result, especially with the manner we conceded two soft late goals.

"Looking at the bigger picture though, ultimately we controlled the game for the best part of 80 minutes and it's a point closer to achieving our biggest target and for that, I can't be too disheartened. Six games left and the target is simple, six wins."

Next up for the Row, who lead the Combined Counties League Premier Division table by 10 points, is a trip to Chessington and Hook tomorrow night.