Hartley Wintney lose out to in-form Egham Town 5-2

Egham Town v Hartley Wintney

Saturday, February 14

Hartley Wintney slipped well away from the play-off places when they lost out to in-form Egham Town by three clear goals.

Both sides showed attacking intent, but it was the Sarnies who capitalised on the chances that came along.

Much-travelled goal scorer Connor Cullen played a key part in recording a hat-trick.

Egham Town beat Hartley Wintney 5-2 in Isthmian Central League Division 1. (Image: Josie Shipman)

Egham went ahead on 11 minutes when the Row were unable to clear a corner and Cullen was on hand to head in a resulting cross. (1-0).

Hartley responded well and on 25 minutes Sam De St. Croix equalised following an error by the home defence (1-1).

The match was decided in the closing minutes of the first half.

First Row keeper Nick Jupp saved a penalty from Cullen.

However, Cullen and Bradley Clayton shot a quickfire double to send the Sarnies into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Half-time: Egham Town 3 Hartley Wintney 1

On 69 minutes the Sarnies made it four as Cullen converted a left-wing cross (4-1).

Hartley came into the game and St Croix reduced the deficit with a smart finish (4-2).

However, any hopes of a late revival were quashed almost immediately as Excellence Muhemba converted a pass from Cullen (5-2).

Full-time: Egham Town 5 Hartley Wintney 2

To say the Gods are not on the side of Hartley Wintney football club at the moment would be an understatement.

The continuous inclement weather has meant that they have not had a home game since before Christmas.

Action from Egham Town v Hartley Wintney. (Image: Josie Shipman)

To compound the problem, the floodlights were subjected to vandalism and all the club's teams have been getting home midweek matches played by hiring other clubs' grounds.

Hartley have proven this season they can compete with several of the teams higher up the league.

However, the form is often inconsistent. If this can be rectified then there is no reason why the team cannot greatly improve their current mid-table position.

This coming Tuesday, Hartley Wintney will have a ‘home’ Hampshire Cup fixture against Eastleigh.

The match is being played at HFA Winklebury, Basingstoke and the kick-off is at 8pm.

Report by David Graham