HARTLEY Wintney maintained top spot with a good display against local rivals Camberley Town on Monday morning beating them 2-1.

Camberley made the perfect start by opening the scoring after just two minutes. A good pass down the left wing found Matthew Bunyan behind the Row’s defence. A measured cross was turned into the net by Nathan Turner from 15 yards.

Play became very feisty and it soon became apparent that there was ‘a game within a game’. Ross Cook was fouled several times with the Krooners players and bench attempting to provoke a reaction.

On 12 minutes they got their wish. A dreadful challenge on the edge of the visitors penalty box by two Krooners defenders saw Cook booked.

One of the guilty defenders was also booked.

Cook took the free-kick but the wall held firm. Referee Harrison Read warned several Camberley players on the situation that was developing and common sense prevailed thereafter.

Hartley gained the upper hand and a good cross on 22 minutes from Dean Stow saw a shot from Steven Duff blocked. On 29 minutes good play from Callum Eagle and Stow on the right saw an accurate cross and Duff’s header was tipped over the bar by Stuart Norman in the Krooners goal. Further pressure from Hartley on 37 minutes saw a good effort from Steve Noakes again was well saved by Stuart Norman.

On 42 minutes Hartley pulled level. A Duff cross caused a melee in the Camberley penalty box. After several shots were blocked Noakes showed great determination to force the ball past two Camberley defenders on the line and into the net.

On the stroke of half time Steve Laidler worked space on the right and his cross was headed against the crossbar by Sam Argent.

Hartley started brightly in the second half and Ross Cook was upended on the edge of the penalty box on 52 minutes. Cook took the free kick but the wall stood firm.

On 57 minutes, Duff and Argent worked a clever corner routine on the left. The delivery found Noakes who was unlucky to see his effort hit a defender on the line.

Hartley attacked non stop with Craig Bradshaw in the Row goal a virtual spectator. On 70 minutes, Duff created space and his parting shot went just past the post. Two minutes later Adam New was unlucky to see his header from a Stow free-kick go just over.

On 77 minutes the long overdue Hartley goal arrived. A free-kick on the right by Stow saw Noakes rise highest and his header found the net.

Three minutes later, Cook saw an effort on goal saved by Norman and shortly after the keeper continued his heroics with a good save from a Stow volley following a good pass from Argent.

Camberley made a late effort to get on terms but Bradshaw was not called into action.

An excellent team display from Hartley and a word of mention to referee Harrison Read and his assistants who officiated a potentially difficult match well.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie said: "It was a terrific win and a solid performance from the boys. Six points in the space of two days including a win against your local rivals? You can't ask for much more than that.

"When you're handed the fixture list at the start of the season, it's always a game that you watch out for and look forward to. It was derby by name and nature; Camberley are a physical side and always bring a battle and although it took a while for us to get going after conceding so early on, we more than coped with it."

He added: "We remained patient as we know we will always create chances and sure enough we got the winner late in the second half. There's a real belief and growing confidence within the squad, teamed with a spirit and quality that will be vital across the season.

"We continue on our quest to improve and build upon the standards that the boys have already set. We remain fully focused as we have a difficult run of games; our concentration is now solely on Saturday away at Hanworth Villa, a hard-working side that are compact and difficult to beat. We can enjoy a couple of days rest now and then we're back to it preparing for our next challenge."