HARTLEY Wintney progressed into the third Round of the Hampshire Senior Cup following a penalty shoot-out after the match ended in a goal less draw.

City have been in good form in recent times having reached the fourth qualifying Round of the FA Cup which included a 4-1 win at Merthyr Town. However perhaps an omen was that they had lost two penalty shoot-outs already this season in the FA Trophy and also the League Cup.

In front of a sparse crowd, Winchester started the stronger and had the first effort on four minutes when Jamie Barron’s shot was tipped round the post by Row goalkeeper Adam Desbois.

Hartley responded and on 12 minutes Nic Ciardini set up Jack French who saw his effort go wide.

On 22 minutes, the strong running Simba Miambo latched on to a through ball and forced a good stop from Desbois. Almost immediately the Row had a chance when a Josh Webb free-kick found the head of Jack Ball whose effort went wide.

Miambo showed a good burst of pace to get behind the Hartley defence and as Desbois came rushing out the City forward saw his lob go just past the post.

City started on the front foot and soon had the Row goal under siege.

On 49 minutes Miambo got free on the right and Hartley did well to clear the ball off the goal line following a scramble.

Six minutes later Tyrell Mitford set up Jamie Barron on the edge of the box and his parting shot brought out a good save from Desbois.

A goal seemed inevitable for City and on 58 minutes substitute Joe Cook had a fierce drive from 20 yards which crashed off the crossbar. Eight minutes later Desbois was called into action again as he pushed another effort from Cook around the post.

On 70 minutes a home corner led to a scramble in the Hartley area in the middle of which Desbois pulled off another good save. The Row came into the game but lacked penetration and Ryan Pryce in the home goal was a virtual spectator.

After 83 minutes, Desbois came out of his goal to the left edge of the penalty area and pulled down Mitford. Referee Mike Desborough pointed to the penalty spot.

Desbois atoned for his indiscretion by pulling off a marvellous save. The rebound was followed in by the City players and an almighty scramble ensued.

This produced two goal line clearances; another remarkable save from Desbois and Mitford heading against the post before Hartley cleared.

Two minutes later Pryce was called into action when he blocked a shot from Claudio Herbert before Nic Ciadini’s follow up shot was blocked.

In the last minute Oli Bailey got in behind the Row defence but his attempted lob over Desbois lacked elevation allowing the young Hartley keeper to paw away.

Hartley then won the shoot-out 7-6 as all their penalty takers Nic Ciadini, Claudio Herbert, Josh Webb, Louie Paget, Jack French, Jack Ball and Mikey Campbell all scored and then City’s seventh shooter Oli Bailey was denied by Desbois.

Hartley won through thanks to some good solid defending and inspired goal keeping. In general the team played some good football in midfield.

This weekend, fifth placed Hartley are back in league action when they entertain Hendon, who are one place above them.

Then on Tuesday night, they are away at Thatcham in the Southern League Cup.