COMBINED Counties league champions Hartley Wintney started the defence of their title with an excellent 2-0 win at Farnham.

The visitors started strongly with their first chances after nine minutes. Adam Everiss cut in from the left and his shot was blocked by Farnham keeper Mark Petts. The ball fell for Shane Hollomby but Petts again saved.

Good link up play between Sam Argent and Ian Jones set up Dean Stow on 16 minutes but the final shot went just past the post.

Soon after Hartley had a chance from a free-kick on the edge of the penalty box. Stow took the kick and Petts brought out a good save.

The Row continued to dominate the match andEveriss was unlucky to see his shot from the edge of the box go just past.

The pressure finally told on the half hour. Good link up play allowed Stow to gain space on the right wing. His accurate cross was headed home by Argent.

Hartley almost increased the lead before the break when first Stow shot just wide when well placed and then Jones fired just over.

Farnham came into the game after the interval, but Hartley had the first effort at goal on 56 minutes when Stow brought out another save from goalkeeper Petts.

Four minutes later, Hartley increased the lead. A long ball from Everiss saw Argent force his way past the last defender and he squeezed the ball past the advancing Petts.

Farnham had a chance on 78 minutes from a free kick on the edge of the box. Mark Corbett hit a low shot which was well saved by Hartley custodian Craig Bradshaw.

Two minutes later, a curling free-kick effort on the left from Farnham struck the post.

Hartley finished strongly and Everiss brought out another good save from Petts.

After the match joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "It was a very good performance. Dean Stow was superb down the right hand side, a menace all night.

"We were pleased with the performance and the result, especially when in consideration of our disappointing afternoon last Saturday, there was a determined attitude led by the boys to put that to bed.

He added: "We played some great football, the first goal was really good to watch, fast, quick and decisive. A pleasure to watch."

Hartley open their home league campaign on Saturday, when CB Hounslow are the visitors.