HARTLEY Wintney moved into the Southern League Division One East play-off places with their fourth straight win in 2018.

This was courtesy of two Rowan Vine goals at the end of each half and also saw a debut for Row's latest signing Nic Ciardini from Farnborough.

As on Saturday the game will possibly be remembered for a refereeing decision in the second half.

Ashford had the better of the opening exchanges and their passing proved to be more fluent than a slow starting Row team. On seven minutes the visitors had a free-kick chance some 25 yards from goal.

Mitchal Gaugh took the kick and his effort was just wide.

Ashford continued to be on top and on 17 minutes a corner on the right from Alex Fisher saw a header from Max Herbert pushed around the post by Paul Strudley at full stretch.

Hartley had the ball in the net a few times through Vine and Nic Ciardini but the assistant referee’s flag was raised on each occasion.

On 21 minutes a chance arrived for the Row. A long throw from Adam Everiss found its way to Rowan Vine who saw his effort saved by Tyler Tobin in the Ashford goal.

Two minutes later, Dan Fleming tried his luck from range and his well struck shot was held by Strudley.

Adam Everiss switched wings and on 25 minutes created a chance for himself coming in from the right only to see his parting shot saved by Tobin.

After 28 minutes, Ashford deservedly went ahead. Good progress was made down the left and an accurate cross found James Cottee who set up Max Herbert to fire home from 15 yards.

The Row responded and on 33 minutes good interplay between the dangerous Vine and Josh Webb saw the former’s effort well saved by Tobin. The same pair combined again three minutes later to set up debutant Nic Ciardini who saw his effort saved by Tobin.

Hartley pulled level on the stroke of half time. Good interplay took the Row to the edge of the Ashford penalty area. Paul Hodges saw his shot beaten out by Tobin into the path of Rowan Vine who scored from 10 yards.

The second half started with Ashford in the ascendancy but without creating chances.

Hartley’s first chance came on 51 minutes after a long run from Josh Webb saw the visitors fortunate to scramble the cross away for a corner. The Everiss corner found Liam Eagle unmarked but the defender headed well past the post. On the hour mark, good interplay between Paul Hodges and Rowan Vine created a chance for Josh Webb who saw his effort saved by Tobin.

Ashford had most of the play but were unable to convert their territory advantage into chances.

A minute later, Dan Fleming sent a good pass into the area from the right and Paul Strudley did well to save during a goalmouth melee.

The visitors continued to turn the screw and on 71 minutes Jack Beadle set up Max Herbert who shot past.

Two minutes later a bit of controversy arrived courtesy of a refereeing decision. A good break by the Row sent Rowan Vine clear with a one on one with keeper Tobin.

Vine rounded Tobin and was about to shoot into a gaping goal. Tobin made one desperate lung at Vine’s legs and pulled the striker down. Virtually everyone was expecting referee Martin Bloor to point to the penalty spot and probably send Tobin from the field of play.

Amazingly he awarded a goal kick much to the astonishment of the entire crowd.

After 78 minutes Jack Beadle had a good run down the middle for the visitors before shooting wide. Two minutes later with play becoming stretched Paul Hodges created a chance for Nic Ciardini who saw his effort saved by Tobin.

Dan Fleming had two chances for Ashford on 82 and 84 minutes which were both saved by Strudley.

In the last minute a long run down the right by Dean Stow saw his cross find Jake Baxter who saw his deflected shot arrive on the head of Rowan Vine who made no mistake from close range.

Deep into injury time Jack Beadle saw a shot from the left go across the face of the goal and was just missed by James Cottee.

Considerable credit must go to the Row ground staff who made play possible having worked most of the afternoon on the pitch.

Hartley Wintney joint manager Anthony Millerick said: "I felt the game was far too open tonight and the conditions led to several individual errors. At times we lacked a bit of cohesion in our play.

"However it was a good win against a good Ashford team who played well. A few of the refereeing decisions provoked comment. We had at least three disallowed offside goals and one of those for looked questionable."

He added: "Rowan Vine showed quality and Nic Ciardini had a good game on his debut. Not ideal conditions to play in but sometimes you must grind out results."

This Saturday, Hartley entertain Thame and then on Tuesday night they have another home game against Beaconsfield.