Hartley hang on as keeper gets red card
HARTLEY Wintney got their first win of 2024 on Saturday, despite finishing the game with 10 men after goalkeeper Louis Evans was sent off on his debut.
The Row bounced back from last weekend’s 5-1 defeat at Westfield to beat Hanworth Villa on
Saturday with Ik Hill and Conor Lynch scoring in the Isthmian League South Central fixture.
“We had lots of possession and ultimately it was no surprise we went ahead,” said Hartley boss Danny Ackland. “We know Hanworth are very direct and I was pleased with the pressure that our players put on them.
“Hanworth came into the game towards half time but we defended well. Our second goal was well taken by Conor (Lynch).
“We could have retained the ball better in the second period.
“When Hanworth reduced the arrears they went 4-2-4 and we were under constant pressure.
“The sending off of Louis made the situation difficult. Liam Gavin did well in goal. Indeed I felt Liam did well to contain Kyen Nicholas for most of the match.”
In a match between two midtable sides, Hartley claimed the points despite a strong finish from the visitors.
It was not until the 20th minute that the first chance arrived. Row striker Lynch and midfielder Reece Wylie combined well and the former shot just over the bar. Two minutes later at the other end a rasping shot from Theo Crawford saw debutant Row keeper Evans, who signed from Swindon Supermarine, make a fine save.
On 24 minutes when Lynch found his progress thwarted, Hill curled a follow-up shot into the top of the net to put Hartley ahead.
Villa started the second half strongly but on 67 minutes
Hartley increased their lead with a well worked breakaway goal.
Mason Obeng timed his final pass to Lynch to perfection and the Hartley centre forward ran on to score.
A Villains goal finally arrived on 75 minutes when Merson played in Nicholas whose low shot beat Evans from 18 yards.
The Row almost restored their two-goal lead on 80 minutes when Momodou Jallow found Lynch whose shot hit the crossbar.
With five minutes left a through ball found Nicholas with a clear run in on goal. Evans came out and flattened the Hanworth striker on the edge of the penalty area, for which he earned a red card.
Gavin donned the gloves and pulled off two outstanding saves, while deep into added time a Row defender managed to block a fullblooded shot on the line.