Nelson leaves Boro to be closer to home
HARTLEY Wintney will need to find more consistency if they are to bag a place in the Isthmian League South Central Division play-offs.
The Row travelled to mid-table Uxbridge on Saturday and finished up on the receiving end of a heavy defeat.
Inside the first minute a ball played down the middle had the Row defence in difficulties. The Reds striker saw his effort smothered and a scramble in front of the Hartley goal ended with a shot being deflected over the crossbar.
The home side gained the ascendancy, but the first clear chance arrived for Hartley.
Andry Demira threaded a ball through to Jayden Smith for a oneon-one with George Legg in the home goal, and it was the Reds keeper who came out on top.
Virtually all the play was towards the Row goal and on 15 minutes Hartley keeper Louis Evans produced two good saves in quick succession from George Moore and then the follow-up from Wilson Chinooka before the ball was scrambled away for a corner.
Continuous pressure from the Reds eventually led to the opening goal on 30 minutes. A corner on the right from Lewis Cole saw a punch out from Evans that lacked distance and Moore fired home from the edge of the penalty area.
Three minutes later Moore almost added a second, but Evans came to the Row rescue with a good save.
On 36 minutes a slick move down the right by the home side ended with Christian Johnson shooting wide when well placed. Five minutes later Chinooka was through the Row defence and only a well-timed tackle from Hartley captain Liam Gavin saved a certain goal.
Then on 41 minutes a long freekick from the right found Luke Paris unmarked and the defender headed over.
On the stroke of half-time Uxbridge added a second. Some indecisive play from the Row defence near the left corner flag saw the ball worked to Moore, who created space before shooting home from 15 yards.
Hartley began the second half brightly. On 48 minutes a cross from Mason Obeng saw Adam Payce just unable to connect in front of goal. With the Reds content to hold the lead Hartley had good possession but were unable to test Legg in the home goal.
Uxbridge increased the lead on 75 minutes. A corner from the left saw Evans in difficulty in the Row goalmouth and Elijah Anthony took full advantage for 3-0.
A minute later Anthony was through the Hartley defence and Evans brought off a good save.
On 84 minutes Hartley had a let off. Loose defensive play allowed Moore a chance and he was unlucky to see his shot from 20 yards crash off the underside of the crossbar.
Things went from bad to worse for Hartley into added time. Weak defending allowed the Reds forwards to move through the Row defence before Gavin hauled down the furthest forward Uxbridge player, which earned a straight red card. Alex Witham took the resulting freekick on the edge of the area, and his effort found the net for 4-0.
The Reds were not finished and from a breakaway Anthony raced clear of the Hartley defence to add a fifth goal.
There was still time for one last opportunity for Uxbridge when a free-kick by Witham hit the Hartley crossbar.
FARNBOROUGH’S away game at Weston-super-Mare in the National League South was postponed at the weekend due to a waterlogged pitch.
Boro will now prepare for big back-to-back home games against Truro City on Saturday, before the visit of former Football League outfit Torquay United on Tuesday (February 20) evening.
Farnborough have also confirmed defender Sid Nelson has left to join Chatham Town.
Nelson was Boro’s first signing for the 2023/24 season back in May last year, going on to make 19 appearances in all competitions.
He joins a Chatham Town side currently second in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Boro manager Spencer Day, said: “I’m sad to let Sid go, but he’s been offered a longer-term contract nearer to home that’s best for him, so it’s right for all parties.
“With Guy Hollis soon to be fit and other possible options, I need to look at the make-up of the squad both physically and financially moving forward. We will miss Sid, a fabulous person, and wish him well at Chatham.”
Elsewhere, Farnborough Football Club Community Trust hosts their first fundraiser on Friday evening, with guest performers to include Nathan Caton, Matt Price and Bennet Kavanagh. Tickets are priced £25 each (plus a £1 online booking fee) and are only available online.
A ticket includes access to the event, as well as a fish and chips supper. Visit www.farnboroughfc. co.uk for more details.