HARTLEY Wintney moved up towards the middle of the Southern League Premier South league after a 2-1 win at lowly Beaconsfield Town.

The match between the league’s two lowest scoring teams produced three goals with a late goal from Tom Bird secured all three points for the Row.

Hartley started the brighter and the first chance arrived on five minutes. A long cross from Josh Webb was returned into the penalty area where Adam Cornell fed back to Ty Smith.

The Row skipper saw his effort go over the crossbar.

The Rams held an edge throughout the first half but were unable to fashion a chance with both defences dominating. On 21 minutes.

Louis Stead made progress down the right for the home side and his cross found Tyrell Mitcford whose effort lack power and Row keeper Luke Williams saved.

With Hartley struggling to gain momentum Beaconsfield had a slight chance on 34 minutes following a good burst from Mayowa Balugan. The left side defender cut in but seen his shot go over Williams’s crossbar.

Hartley started brightly and went ahead on 47 minutes after forcing a left wing corner. Ty Smith saw his flag kick find the head of Alex Albert who headed home from close range.

Three minutes later, Hartley had a chance to increase the lead when a ring wing cross found Smith who saw his effort blocked. The ball fell to Dean Rule who saw his effort blocked with Josh Webb following up also seeing his effort blocked.

On 58 minutes with Hartley holding a slight edge, A Webb free kick was not fully cleared by the Rams and Smith following up shot wide.

Five minutes later the Row were awarded a free kick some 35 yards from goal. Smith elected to shoot and his strong effort brought out s good save from Myles Bowman.

On 68 minutes Dean Rule went on a long run and his parting shot was just wide of the post.

The Rams came into the match and pulled level on 78 minutes. A long clearance found Tyrell Mitford who did well to control the dropping ball.

His shot from the left saw Williams push the ball wide of the goal. The resulting corner saw the Row unable to clear and Brendan Matthews stepped in to force the ball into the net.

Five minutes later, Substitute Mikel Platt managed to find Sal Abubakar who shot across the goal.

Hartley continued to probe and found the winner on 88 minutes.

Tom Bird combined well with Dean Rule. The young striker held the ball up and create space for himself before a challenge from a defender passed to Tom Bird who had continued his run and shot low into the net.

Hartley held on to claim the three points but will feel the performance levels may not have been as high as expected. Best performers for the Row defenders Jack Ball and man of the match Shane Hollamby who again as on Saturday were outstanding.

This Saturday, Hartley are away to Blackfield and Langley and then on Tuesday night they entertain Chesham both games are in the league.