Hartley recorded an overdue league win at Ashford Town following five successive defeats, writes David Graham.
The result on Saturday, April 19 consigned the hosts to relegation down to the Combined Counties League.
Ashford had the advantage of the wind in the first half and soon had the Row defence under pressure. On 10 minutes, they went ahead.
Jack Arnold burst into the Hartley area before being pulled down. The penalty kick was taken by Jack Arnold himself, and he converted comfortably (1-0).
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Hartley’s first chance came on 18 minutes when Aaron Burchett sent Harvey Chogugudza through. The young striker shot well wide of the goal.
On 33 minutes, Josh Ewing for the Row forced his way through with Tom Drinkwater, and the former brought out a good save from former Hartley keeper Marcin Brzozowski.
A minute later, the Tangerines had a good chance when Archie Larkham found George Vorster, who scuffed his shot in front of goal, allowing Jupp to save.
On 36 minutes, Hartley striker Noah Amissah found space, and his well-struck shot was saved by Brzozowski.
At the other end, a cross from James King found the head of Prince Kandola, whose effort went wide.
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Hartley finished the half on top and pulled level on 42 minutes.
A free kick from Mac Ford was headed across goal, and Aaron Burchett was on hand to shoot home from close range (1-1).
The second period started quietly. However, the introduction of substitute Calvin Camara sparked the Row into life.
On 63 minutes, Camara was picture-perfect with his pass to Amissah, who saw his effort saved by Brzozowski.
A minute later, George Wallace and Ford combined well following a corner on the right, and the former’s shot went just wide.
Ashford were unlucky on 73 minutes when an excellent 25-yard strike from Vorster crashed against the inside of the upright and came out.
Hartley took the lead on 81 minutes. A high cross from Sam Tanner had Brzozowski at full stretch.
The Tangerines goalie spilled the ball, and Camara was on hand to shoot home from 12 yards (1-2).
The remainder of the match saw Ashford throw caution to the wind and push forward.
This left them exposed, and Hartley missed a good number of very presentable chances from breakaways.
The final action in added time saw the entire Ashford team, including keeper Brzozowski, in the Hartley area to try and covert a corner.
The ball was cleared, and Conor Lynch fastened onto the long ball forward and ran the ball into the unguarded Tangerines goal (1-3).
Disappointment for Ashford, managed by former Row coach Luke Tuffs.
A bright spot was the performance of their four young players, who look to have good futures ahead of them.
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