HARTLEY Wintney chalked up their eighth win on the trot as they came from behind to beat Abbey Rangers 4-2.

The Combined Counties League leaders found themselves a goal down after four minutes, as Dewane Taylor-Crossdale scored despite the best efforts from Jake Maddock to keep it out.

Hartley’s response was almost immediate as two minutes later, a well driven corner on the left by Steven Duff was met by Dean Stow who bulleted a header into the net.

Two minutes later, the Row were ahead. A good cross from Steve Laidler was headed on by Liam Eagle into the path of Dean Stow who fired home 18 yards.

On 12 minutes, Ross Cook was fouled on the edge of the penalty box and he took the free-kick himself and Liam Stone in the Rangers goal did well to save.

Stow almost completed a first half hat-trick. A long throw from Adam Everiss was only partially cleared to Stow whose shot hit the post.

On the 33 minute mark, Hartley increased the lead. Clever play in midfield saw Stow feed Ross Cook through the middle and he ran on to score easily.

Five minutes later, Hartley extended their lead to 4-1 as a throw on the left by Everiss found Ross Cook 20 yards from goal. His initial shot was blocked but he followed up and rifled in the Row’s fourth goal.

After the break, Abbey pulled a goal back from Paul Hodges and after this Hartley were content to hold the lead there were no further chances and the Row collected three more points.

Joint Hartley manager Danny Brownlie said: "We had nine first team regulars missing on Saturday, so to win 4-2 was a terrific result.

"I also had two players playing with injuries, another who played his first 90 minutes in three months and four players under 19 years old. It was a very freak week in terms of absences, but even then, the players we had on the park and on the bench were of real quality."

Looking ahead to their next game an Aldershot Senior Cup tie, Brownlie said: "A tasty local derby on Wednesday against Cove, there are plenty of connections between the two clubs; not just in terms of geographic location.

"I was asked by a fan if we would be travelling with a strong team - as proven on Saturday afternoon it's difficult not to pick a strong squad with the depth of quality we have.

"It's a game of football, so we want to win it. We've created a real winning habit and we want that to continue."

On Saturday, Hartley return to league action with a trip to Windsor.