LIAM Eagle's goal sent Hartley Wintney soaring to top spot of the Southern League Premier South, as they maintained their perfect start to the season.

The Row collected their second three points of the season, with a 1-0 win over Hampshire rivals Gosport in their first ever home game at this level.

However, there was little to talk about in the first half hour of the game.

The home side threatened with the pace of Claudio Herbert and Romario Hart on the wings with new striker Mike Campbell looking lively up front.

The Borough used the direct approach with striker Craig McAllister providing some good lay offs.

The first chance of the match came on 30 minutes when a Row clearance was charged down.

The ball fell kindly to Ryan Pennery who saw his effort saved by the well positioned Paul Strudley.

Hartley responded immediately and a free-kick on the left from Josh Webb found the head of Herbert, who seen his effort pushed round the post by Boro keeper Patrick O’Flaherty.

The Row had a good spell and a long throw from Herbert found the head of Liam Eagle and O’Flaherty did well to tip over the bar.

However, Liam Eagle was not to be denied and from the resulting corner by Claudio Herbert the Row centre back powered his header firmly into the net from 10 yards.

Gosport started the second half brightly and were unlucky not to equalise on 51 minutes.

A fluent move involving Pennery and Tom Leggett set up Mc Allister whose blistering shot from just inside the penalty box crashed off the post.

Three minutes later, the Row had a chance when Nic Ciardini found Mike Campbell in the penalty area and the strikers shot brought out a good save from O’Flaherty.

After 57 minutes, Connor Hoare and Pennery combined well and the latter’s parting effort found Strudley well positioned to save.

On 64 minutes O'Flaherty was unable to get distance when coming for a high cross. Nic Ciardini headed across goal and Claudio Herbert was just squeezed out at the back post as the ball was cleared for a corner.

The Boro put on late pressure but were unable to fashion a chance as the Row defence held firm.

Over the 90 minutes Hartley Wintney held a slight edge and just about deserved to take the spoils over a competitive Gosport team.

After the game joint manager Dan Turkington said: "We are over the moon with the start the team has made. I am proud of the players and the club.

"It was scrappy at times but I was pleased with the way the team dug in and got the result.

He added: "Paul Strudley got his clean sheet and played well. Adam Desbois was away on duty with the England under 19 squad.

"There was a lot more football played on Saturday than tonight but pleased the way the team adapted to the different type of game.

"It was a great team effort with Claudio Herbert showing pace a quality on the wing and Liam Eagle scoring his second goal in two games."

This Saturday, Hartley are home to Frome and a week later, the Row now know they will be heading to Baffins Milton Rovers in the FA Cup.