Hartley Wintney scored twice late on to secure a dramatic 2-1 away win at Merthyr Town, writes TYLER HOUSE.

With Hartley having started the game on the back foot, Merthyr took an early lead in the seventh minute when striker Owain Jones dribbled past the Row’s Matt Drage and crossed for captain Ashley Evans to score.

The hosts continued to threaten, and when Ian Traylor ran in behind the Hartley defence, his close range shot produced an important save from goalkeeper Chris Harris.

Minutes later, Traylor was through on goal again but Harris continued to impress and saved well.

The Row had the chance to equalise before half time when Jack French’s driven shot was spilled by goalkeeper Scott Reed, but although Mitchell Parker was quick onto the rebound, he smashed his shot off the post.

In the second half, Hartley were much improved and three inspired substitutions guided them to victory.

With Jack Ball now playing as an emergency striker, the Row pressed for an equaliser, which eventually came in the 87th minute. After a superb pass to Salhin Abubakar, the winger kept his cool to slot home and draw his side level.

In a tense finish, Merthyr came close to retaking the lead, but in the third minute of stoppage time, Joshua Webb crossed the ball into the penalty area and Alexandru Albert arrived at the far post to head in and win the game for Hartley.

This Saturday, they are away at Frome.