DESPITE playing with a man disadvantage for 46 minutes Hartley Wintney maintained their Southern League play-off hopes with a 3-1 win at lowly Barton Rovers.

After a quiet opening the first incident of note came on seventh minute when Rowan Vine was issued with a red card by referee Martyn Gospel and sent from the field of play. It is understood that it was due to an off the ball incident. Vine swore chapter and verse that he had not sinned, but received no redemption from referee Gospel.

Despite the man disadvantage, it was the Row who held and edge in play with Adam Everiss prominent on the left wing.

On 22 minutes a measured pass from Jack Ball found the run of Jake Baxter who rounded Rovers keeper Matt Finlay.

Unfortunately for the Row the angle was bad and back tracking defenders managed to block.

Three minutes later, Nic Ciardini found Adam Everiss who saw his effort saved.

On 28 minutes with Hartley on top a long throw from Everiss found Jake Baxter who fired over from 12 yards.

Six minutes later, Paul Hodges sent Adam Everiss free down the wing and the resultant cross saw Finlay unable to hold before a defender cleared the danger.

On 39 minutes, Paul Hodges went on a long run at pace and his parting shot went over the bar. The same player was again close on 45 minutes when a bullet header from a good cross by Jake Baxter saw an amazing save from Finlay.

The second half opened with Paul Hodges creating a chance for himself before shooting over. Barton registered their first notable effort on goal on goal after 51 minutes when Jake Keating shot from 20 yards and Paul Strudley did well to adjust to a deflection.

On 53 minutes, referee Gospel sent-off his second player in the game this time Barton’s Lee Close.

This was after Josh Webb and Rovers Lee Close went in for a heavy challenge that brought both sets of players to congregate at the scene.

After things settled a red card was issued to Close who was sent from the field of play.

On the hour mark, the Row had a free kick just outside the penalty box.

Ciardini’s kick beat the wall but Finlay was well positioned to save.

Three minutes later, Paul Hodges tried a chip shot, after a pass from Dean Stow, which again was saved by Finlay.

Liam Eagle was next to try his luck on 67 minutes as the Row maintained their grip on the match but again Finlay was equal to the defenders shot.

Finally the pressure told a minute later.

A long pass from midfield by Josh Webb sent Jake Baxter free with a one on one with Finlay. The Hartley striker rounded the Rovers goalkeeper and his shot found the net.

Four minutes later, the Row could have increased the lead as a pass from Stow sent Hodges on a long run which ended with a shot past the post.

The home side had a spell of pressure and on 77 minutes were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Hugh Alban-Jones’ effort beat the wall and Paul Strudley did well to push the ball away to the left.

Rovers continued the attack and a cross was not fully cleared by the Row. The ball was returned from the right and an unprepared Hartley defence saw Andrew Phillips head home leaving Paul Strudley without a prayer.

The Row responded strongly and two minutes later they regained the lead.

A good run down the right by Stow saw a cross find Jake Baxter and the striker cleverly set up Paul Hodges who scored from 12 yards.

On 85 minutes, the Row added a third when good work down the left by Louie Paget and Steven Duff saw a cross find Dean Stow.

The full back set up Paul Hodges who scored his second of the match.

Hartley could have added several more goals with three notable effects saved by Finlay.

These came from Jack Ball following a Ciardini free kick, Jayden Englefield following a flowing move down the right and Jake Baxter who was set up by Louie Paget.

After the game Hartley joint manager Anthony Millerick said: “I thought that the pitch being as heavy as it was helped us when we went down to 10 men. A fast pitch would have suited the fully manned side as they could use the width better.

“Jake Baxter played well and pleased that he got on the score sheet. When we had 10 he defended from the front and prevented attacks being started from deep.

“Jack Ball has been patient to get into the team and played very well in central defence with Liam Eagle.

“Perhaps the only negative was the goal we conceded. We re-acted slowly to the second phase ball into the box leaving their forward an easy header.

* It was a great response to conceding the goal and no one could argue that we were well worth the win.”

On Tuesday evening, Hartley are away to Thame.