HARTLEY Wintney rang the curtain down on their pre-season fixtures with a 1-1 draw against Kingstonian. The match was played in intense heat and there were a number of ‘water breaks’ for players and officials alike.

Hartley held a slight edge in the opening period and almost took the lead on five minutes.

A free-kick on the left by Josh Webb eluded everyone and went just beyond the far post.

However, it was the visitors who appeared to carry the greater threat and they took the lead on 24 minutes.

A slick move down the left enabled Freddy Moncur to deliver an accurate cross into the penalty box.

Striker Elliott Buchannon managed to lose his markers and headed powerfully into the net.

On 42 minutes Kingstonian almost doubled their lead.

Shaun Lucien created space on the edge of the box and his well struck shot looked goal bound.

The Row goalie Adam Desbois showed remarkable agility to push the shot onto the post and out to safety.

Hartley almost pulled level on the stroke of half time.

A long throw landed at the feet of new signing from Slough Town Nathan Smart who was unlucky to see his snap shot blocked.

Hartley quickly got on top in the second period and held an edge in play for the remainder of the match.

On 50 minutes a corner from Claudio Herbert on the left found the head of former Basingstoke Town man Nathan Smart who was unlucky to see his effort blocked on the line. Three minutes later, a free-kick from Josh Webb beat the Kingstonian wall but visitor’s goalkeeper Rolf Tolfrey saved.

Hartley had a number of opportunities as a result of set pieces and Caludio Hebert headed over when well placed.

However, the Row and Hebert were not to be denied and they pulled level with a well worked goal.

Romari Hart showed good trickery down the right and found Nic Ciardini.

The Row skipper also showed trickery with his turn and deceived the entire visitors defence. His cross found Claudio Herbert who fired home from 12 yards.

After the game joint manger Anthony Millerick said: “* I felt we carried out the things that we are good at well like set pieces. We will be looking to be more incisive with some of our attacking play.

“Nathan Smart played well and is a good addition to the squad of players. We are still looking at one or two players to further strengthen our squad.”

He added: “Kingstonian have a large budget for players but I felt we matched them throughout.”

This coming Saturday, Hartley open their first campaign in the Southern League Premier South with a tough looking away trip to Poole.