HARTLEY Wintney lost 2-1 at Slough Town in their latest pre-season friendly.

The home side started the brighter and early play was mostly confined to the Hartley half. The Row had a narrow escape on 20 minutes when Guy Hollis got on the end of a cross and seen his effort come off the inside of the post.

Play evened up and with play mostly in midfield until the 29th minute when a shot from Slough’s Matt Lench grazed the bar.

Towards half time the Row started to look threatening and on 39 minutes took the lead. Nathan Smart returning to his former club tried an effort from the right and his cross shot found the net.

The second half began with the Row retaining possession for periods but without creating a real chance. On 56 minutes Josh Webb saw one of his corners return to him and his shot from the right went just over.

The Rebels put together a flowing move on 61 minutes and a cross from Max Worsfold was headed wide by Dan Roberts.

The flurry of substitutions by both sides saw a number of positional changes as the players adjusted. However it was the Slough subs which included former Basingstoke striker which turned the match in their direction.

On 73 minutes a move down the left saw Scott Aimsworth get on to the resulting cross. His effort hit the post and Dan Roberts deflected the rebound into the net.

The Rebels had a chance four minutes later as Ryan Bird got free down the middle. However Chris Harris in the Row goal did well to thwart the striker. However the Rebels were not to be denied and on 84 minutes they took the lead. A long clearance saw a Row defender head back to the goalkeeper. However travel was short and the alert Dan Roberts nipped in to finish well.

Hartley finished well but were unable to get back on terms. In conclusion a well contested match played in a good spirit.

Hartley boss Anthony Millerick said: "We soaked up some early pressure from Slough before giving as good as we got.

"Slough are a week ahead of us in preparation so I was pleased with our progress schedule to the first league match.

"I felt we kept our defensive shape well for the vast bulk of the game. In general a good days work from the boys and a good performance against a good team."

On Tuesday, Hartley are at home to Chertsey.