SALISBURY maintained their unbeaten record and maintained their challenge at the top end of the Division with a comfortable win in the end at Hartley Wintney. In the Salisbury team was former Row favourite Jack Ball who had an assured game.

The Whites had the first opportunity on nine minutes when some decent interplay allowed Antonio Diaz a chance which he fired over. Three minutes later Diaz was again involved when he provided an opportunity for Daniel Fitchett who saw his effort saved by Luke Williams in the Row goal.

Hartley’s first chance arrived on 15 minutes when a long pass from Matt Drage found Mitchell Parker who shot across the front of the goal. Hartley had a decent spell and on 39 minutes should have gone ahead. Sam Argent made good progress down the right and his cross found Anis Nuur who was unable to get his shot away and Salisbury managed to scramble clear.

Salisbury opened the scoring just a minute later. Charlie Kennedy threaded a pass through the Row defence and Diaz shot home from 12 yards (0-1)

Hartley came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and an early Dean Stow corner on minutes saw the Whites struggle to clear and subsequently a powerful shot from Mitch Parker was charged down.

Play became confined mostly to the midfield but with very few chances of a goal.

However Salisbury looked more threatening and increased the lead on 74 minutes. A through ball found the Row defence all at sea. Vaughn Covil and Row keeper Luke Williams collided before the ball ran kindly for Harry Baker to shoot into the empty net to make the game safe (0-2).

Hartley had a chance on 78 minutes when a decent flowing move enabled Dom Griffiths a shot which was deflected wide. A minute later and the Whites almost extended their lead when a right wing cross was headed against the outside of the post by Charlie Kennedy.

On 86 minutes a flowing move down the left involving Diaz created a chance for Harry Baker which brought out a good diving save from Williams. Three minutes later the same pair again combined well down the left which finished with Diaz shooting wide.

As last week the Row’s young substitute Toby Raggett greatly impressed. On 90 minutes he left three Salisbury defenders in his wake down the left before crossing for Mitch Parker who shot over.

Overall an improved performance by Hartley compared to the Hendon match. However they were beaten by a team that had a little more know how at key moments in the game.