Hartley Wintney concede early goals against Hanworth Villa

Hanworth Villa increased their lead within the play-off zone over Hartley Wintney with an odd-goal-in-three home victory.

The Villa had very much the better of the first half and the Row had to be grateful to debutant goalie Alexander White who made several good saves.

Hanworth had a number of good free-kick possibilities around the edge of the Row penalty area but the defence held firm.

Action from Hanworth Villa v Hartley Wintney. (Image: Josie Shipman)

The home side pressed throughout the first half and got their reward on 32 minutes when Hartley attempted to play out from a goal kick and a pass got intercepted.

The consequence was White pulled off an excellent save from the subsequent attack but could do little as Kensley Maloney snapped up the rebound to put the Villa ahead (1-0).

Half Time: Hanworth Villa 1 Hartley Wintney 0

The second half started with much the same pattern as the first and Hartley had an escape when Grant headed off the line following a corner.

However, six minutes after the break a cross from the right into the Row area found Liam Ferdinand who snapped up the chance from close range (2-0).

The introduction of former Villa striker Kyan Nicholas as a substitute coincided with the Row edging back into the match.

Hartley Wintney were defeated away from home against Hanworth Villa. (Image: Josie Shipman)

A through ball on 63 minutes saw Jose Sani just thwarted by the home goalie Tyla Dickinson.

The Villa had a chance to increase their lead on 70 minutes when they were awarded a penalty kick.

Up stepped Ferdinand who saw his low shot brilliantly saved by Row keeper White diving to his left.

Hartley had a good spell towards the end and a deflected shot hit the post.

However, Hartley Wintney did record a consolation goal in added time.

A free kick on the edge of the Hanworth penalty area was blocked but the ball broke to George Turner who shot home from close range (2-1).

All too little too late with the Row remaining just inside the play-off zone in fifth place.

Full Time: Hanworth Villa 2 Hartley Wintney 1

Report by David Graham