HARTLEY Wintney drew another big crowd for the second local Bank holiday derby and their 2-0 victory over visiting Farnham Town, saw them go 16 points clear at the top of the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

The home side were quickly on top and the first chance came after eight minutes.

A corner on the left by Luke Perkins found the head of Liam Eagle but the central defender headed wide.

Farnham responded and on 11 minutes went close to scoring. Elliot Cardona made space on the left wing and his cross saw an effort from Jack Dillon go close.

Soon after, another corner from Perkins found Sam Argent and his effort brought out a good save from Farnham goalkeeper Aaron Holt. Five minutes later, Hartley well on top a good pass from Ian Jones found Jack French and the midfielder was unlucky to see his shot from 20 yards go just past the post.

Hartley piled on the pressure and on 28 minutes Steve Laidler went on a long run from midfield beating several defenders. His parting shot brought a good save from Holt.

However, the opening goal was delayed by just one minute. A long ball from defence found Argent who held the ball up well.

He laid the ball back to Jones who sent an accurate shot into the net from just outside the box.

The busy Farnham goalkeeper Holt was called into action again on 34 minutes.

Jack French found George Hallahan and the young striker brought a good save from the visitor’s goalie.

A minute later, a Perkins' corner saw Liam Eagle head just over the crossbar.

Farnham started the second half well and the Row were slightly fortunate to get a free kick, following a high ball and adjudged foul on Jake Maddock. However, Hartley soon resumed where they had left off in the first half. On 48 minutes a good break from Laidler saw him create a chance and his shot brought another good save from Holt.

On 52 minutes it was ‘pinball wizard’ in front of the Farnham’s goal as Argent, Hallahan and Perkins all saw close range shots blocked by heroic defence work.

On 58 minutes, Hallahan fashioned a chance for himself and having seen his first effort blocked his follow up went just over the crossbar.

A minute later the visitors were almost level. Hartley were unable to get the ball clear from the penalty box and Joe Clarke fired in a strong shot from the edge of the box which went just past the post.

Constant pressure from the Row on 66 minutes saw Hallahan shot saved by Holt and the follow up by Perkins again brought out another good save.

With a non stop procession of moves towards the visitors goal Hartley finally sealed the match on 74 minutes.

Good interplay set up Dean Stow for a chance and he was unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line. The ball broke to the left wing and Argent managed to create space to set up Stow for a second chance and this time the full back drilled the ball low into the bottom corner.

Five minutes from the end, Laidler set up Argent and the striker saw his effort saved by Holt.

All in all a very impressive performance by Hartley. The closeness of the score reflects an amazing rear guard action by the Farnham defence.

Joint manager Daniel Brownlie was really pleased that his side returned to winning ways after their draw in the previous game and said: "It was the perfect repost. We asked a few questions of the boys after the last game and they worked hard to answer them in the best way possible, with a good performance.

"To start 2017 with a win and a clean sheet is the perfect platform to build upon.

He added: "We played some really good stuff and in honesty it could have and probably should have scored more but to earn three points and a clean sheet is a great start to the year."

This Saturday, the leaders are away at ninth placed Bedfont Sports.