HARTLEY Wintney extended their lead at the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division to 15 points after a 2-0 victory over title rivals Hanworth Villa.

The Row were without several of their regulars due to injuries and suspension, but turned in a solid performance to claim three points in sub zero temperatures.

Hartley started brightly and took the lead on 11 minutes. Adam New sent a good pass to the left wing where Steven Duff crossed for the unmarked Steve Noakes to head home.

A minute later, it was almost two as Steve Laidler set up Duff for a shot. The winger's fierce shot went narrowly past the upright.

The visitors first shot came on 20 minutes when Dan Milborrow managed to get a shot in from the edge of the box.

Hartley’s debutant goalie Paul Strudley was well positioned to save comfortably.

The Row had the bulk of the play and on 25 minutes a lofted pass by Louie Paget sent Luke Perkins clear.

The striker tried to lob the outrushing Villains goalie Balvinder Khairia but the effort drifted wide. Perkins was again out of luck on 38 minutes, when he shot just over after a good cross from Toby Jannaway.

Hanworth had some pressure approaching half time and Athan Smith-Joseph had a good effort which went narrowly over.

Hartley were claiming a goal on the stroke of half time when Duff's corner on the right saw a deflection from a defender leaving goalie Khaira to produce an amazing stop at the post with the Row players claiming the ball was over the line.

The assistant referee who was well positioned judged the ball had not crossed the line.

Hartley started the second half on the front foot and on 46 minutes Louie Paget made good progress down the right.

His cross was only partially cleared and Jack French saw his strong drive held under the crossbar by goalie Khaira.

On 55 minutes, Duff cut in from the left and his parting shot went just over.

The Row continued to have most of the play but despite long spells of pressure they were unable to create a clear chance.

The long overdue second goal came on 82 minutes. Duff played a good pass into Perkins in the penalty box.

Before the striker could gain possession he was tripped by a defender and referee Shelby Elson pointed to the penalty spot. Sam Argent took the kick and scored with a low shot.

After the game, joint Hartley manager Daniel Brownlie said: "I am a very happy with the win. I said earlier in the week that it would be a tough test and it was exactly that.

"Hanworth made us work for it but we certainly deserved the three points. That game signifies the half way stage of the season and we're in a very good position.

"The boys have worked hard to earn that, but there is no time for complacency, we now go and replicate our form in the second half of the season."

Looking ahead to Saturday's away trip Brownlie said: "Walton and Hersham with their games in hand, are probably our closest challengers. So it goes without saying their is an importance to the fixture and it's going to be difficult.

"It'll be two teams who are both full of confidence battling it out, it's down to who performs best on the day, we'll be working hard at training to ensure that is us."

On Tuesday night, Hartley return home and face Wessex League Premier Division Lymington in a last 16 tie in the Hampshire Senior Cup.