HARTLEY Wintney kept a top 10 finish in the Southern League Premier South, firmly in their sights after a 1-0 at Frome Town.

The Row started the better but were fortunate not to go behind on 13 minutes.

Joseph Mc Laughlin and Rex Mannings combined well down the left wing and the latter’s low pass across the face of the goal saw the Robins inrushing forwards just unable to convert.

For the remainder of the half the Robins did not commit many players forward and were set up in a very defensive mode.

Hartley had plenty of possession with Angel Zapata Montes on the right wing looking dangerous. However it was not until just before the break that they fashioned a chance. A Josh Webb cross found Steven Duff at the back post.

However the Row forward was unable to convert. The ball came back to Marley Ridge who saw his fierce shot bring out a good save from Robert Brown in the Robins goal.

Frome came out in the second half on the front foot and almost went ahead on 47 minutes.

A good break down the left resulted in a cross which was dummied by Ryan Bath. The ball fell to Olly Knowles who saw his accurate shot pushed around the post by Chris Harris in the Row goal. Hartley regained the initiative and on 53 minutes put together a fluent move.

Marley Ridge found Steven Duff who set up Josh Webb and the midfielders drive went just over the bar.

The home side had a good attack down the right on 62 minutes and Ryan Bath set up Rory Gorman who saw his effort saved by a well-positioned Harris.

Two minutes later the adventurous Nathan Smart made good progress down the right and his Cross saw Duff’s header saved by Brown.

Hartley continued to press against a very cautious hosts and were rewarded with the breakthrough goal on 71 minutes.

Nathan Smart made a good run down the right wing before feeding Marley Ridge who set up Steven Duff.

Duff took his shot quickly which although it lacked power deceived Brown in the Robins goal and trundled into the net.

The home side had some pressure in added time but the Hartley defence held firm confirming safety from relegation.

A remarkable achievement for the village club with the lowest budget in the league.

Next for Hartley on Tuesday night is their Aldershot Senior Cup semi-final away at Camberley.