HARTLEY Wintney hosted the in form Swindon Supermarine and an entertaining match ended all square at 2-2.

After a promising start by the Row it was the Marine who took the lead on 6 minutes. A fast break down the right wing enabled Conor McDonagh to drift in behind the Hartley defence. The striker cut the ball back and Henry Spalding scored from the edge of the box with a low shot.

On 8 minutes a corner from Jack French for the Row found the head of Mickel Platt who headed just wide. Platt was again involved on 18 minutes when he combined well with Mitchell Parker and shot just over the bar.

The Row pulled level on 21 minutes. After a spell of pressure, Hartley built up a good attack and Jack French played Marley Ridge in. The midfielder managed to squeeze the ball past Will Henry in the Swindon goal and into the net.

Things got even better for Hartley a minute later when Mickel Platt set up Mitchell Parker who fired in a low shot from the edge of the box.

On 28 minutes a long clearance found O’Donagh and his lob went just over the bar. Three minutes later Josh Webb and Joe Felix combined well down the left and the latter’s low strike brought out a good save from Henry at full stretch. After 32 minutes a Josh Webb corner was flicked on and a header from Platt brought out a good save again by Henry.

The Row had a scare four minutes later after Adam Desbois doddled on the ball too long before making a clearance. He was robbed by the alert Stuart Fleetwood who was squeezed out by back tracking defenders. Felix and Webb combined well down the left and the latter’s parting shot from 20 yards went just over. Felix was soon in action at the opposite end of the field. A dangerous cross from the left by Michael Hopkins looked odds on for a Marine head when Felix came from nowhere to head clear. Approaching half time saw a Dan Stewart shot arrive at Parker who quickly set up Platt who brought out a smart save from Henry.

In added time the Marine had two efforts and from the first they should have scored. Fleetwood managed to get free on the right and his cross found O’Donagh some six yards from goal. However the striker shot past the post. There was still time for Ryan Campbell to record another effort for the visitors.

It took Marine just one minute to get on level terms after the re-start. A right wing corner from Spalding found the head of Jerel Ifil who headed powerfully home unchallenged.

On 58 minutes the Row’s chances for a win greatly diminished. A fierce challenge by Hadda Zongo, who had a decent game to that point, on Matt Williams saw referee Sunney Gill issue a straight red card thus reducing the home side to 10 men.

On 64 minutes a long run from Stuart Fleetwood saw him force his way through the Row defence. However the striker shot past when well placed to score.

On 73 minutes Hartley had a chance when Ty Smith set up Platt who fired just past the post. Almost immediately the Marine had a great chance to win the match when Jamie Edge set up Spalding who shot just wide of the post.

The Row kept possession well and probed until the end. Mitchell Parker proved an effective outlet ball and led the line well. In added time the Row survived a few set pieces and held on with 10 men for a good point.

Joint manager Anthony Millerick said: "I thought we were the better side in the first half. Disappointed with the two goals we conceded. We worked hard to get our goals where as the Marine goals were hugely preventable.

"I felt the team showed a lot of bravery today in two phases of the game. Much of our play in the first half was good and adventurous. Plenty of good moves and interplay. After the sending off we were brave again and showed a lot of character to hold on and secure the point.

"Swindon Super marine are a good side and very much an in form team which showed. At the moment we seem to be running into teams who are having their best spells of the season."

Hartley midfielder Jack French said: "I felt we played well with 10 men. The team recovered well after losing the early goal.

"We started the second half poorly but once down to 10 men we kept the ball well. In the end it was probably a fair result."

Next for Hartley is a visit from Basingstoke Town on Saturday.