HARTLEY Wintney ended their losing run with a single goal win over in form Walton Casuals.

The Row started well and on five minutes a free kick on the right by Josh Webb saw a powerful header from Jack Ball hit Stags goalkeeper Alex Tokarcyzk and went out for a corner. From the resulting kick Shane Hollamby was just unable to force the ball into the net.

The Casuals first effort came on 10 minutes after good build up play between Jude Mason and Rohdell Gordon saw the latter’s effort tipped over by Luke Williams in the Hartley goal.

The Stags threatened on 24 minutes and David Fitzpatrick set up Monous Gogonas who fired over the bar.

Hartley came close when a free kick from Josh Webb brought out a good save from Tokarcyzk on 39 minutes From the resulting corner the ball was cleared to Louie Paget who saw his powerful low long range shot bring out another good stop from Tokarcyzk.

The Row held a slight edge for most of the second half. On 63 minutes a slick move saw Dean Rule and Alex Albert combine to set up Josh Webb who fired just over.

However, the breakthrough came on 67 minutes following a good move down the left involving Tom Bird Webb and Rule. The subsequent cross went across to man of the match Sal Abubakar.

The young wingers cross clipped the post, ran along the line and Alex Albert finished it off at the back post.

The Casuals responded and on 70 minutes Williams did well to beat James Ewington to a through ball by bravely diving at his feet. Three minutes later Adam Cornell and Josh Webb combined well and the latter’s cross found no takers.

The Stags pressed towards the end but were unable to create a chance to test Williams.

Row held on for a win they just about deserved.

A much improved performance by the Row team with Jack Ball and Shane Hollamby impressive in defence. Sal Abubakar gave the Stags defence a difficult afternoon with his pace and skill.

Hartley manager Anthony Millerick said: “I thought today saw a good rounded performance by the entire team. I am very pleased that the concentration levels were good throughout the entire 90 minutes.

He added: “Walton Casuals are a good side and of course have very dangerous forwards in James Ewington and Rene Howe who have caused us problems in the past. It was a tribute to our defence that the Stags were limited to very few chances and Luke Williams had a relatively quiet afternoon.”

Tuesday night, the Row will be hoping for another three points when they travel to Beaconsfield.