The Row defence holds firm against Raynes Park Vale
HARTLEY Wintney held the Isthmian League South Central’s in-form side, Raynes Park Vale, to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The home side started strongly and on nine minutes came close to opening the scoring. A cross from the right found Jordan Gallagher who saw his rasping drive crash off the crossbar.
Hartley edged into the game and on 18 minutes a cross from George Winser found Liam Gavin who shot over the bar. Most of the Vale moves were instigated through Jordan Gallagher who was a threat throughout. The Row defence had a few scares but generally held firm under pressure.
On 39 minutes Conor Lynch for the Row combined well with Mason Obeng who saw his parting shot go over the bar.
Two minutes later Jordan Gallagher made space down the left and his accurate cross found lfetback Callum Hope who directed his effort just wide of the goal.
Hartley responded and Mo Jallow gave Reece Wylie an opening which the midfielder shot over the bar.
On the stroke of half time,
Jordan Gallagher got free down the right and his pass inside found Brad
Sweeney who saw his powerful shot bring out a good save from Adam Melville in the Row goal.
Hartley started the second half well and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 56 minutes. Andry Demira found space on the left and his low cross seemed to take a nick off Adam Payce and a Vale defender finishing up in the net.
Having gained the lead the Row gave away a needless free-kick in their own half. The Vale packed the area and Hartley were unable to get the ball clear. It was returned into the area and Charlie Penny got the final touch and via Melville in the Hartley goal the sides were level.
With Jake Gallagher now on for Bradley Wilson, the Vale piled on the pressure and two minutes later a cross from right-back Archie Harland-Goddard was headed just over by Jordan Gallagher.
On 73 minutes a long free kick from the left for the home side was not fully cleared and an incoming powerful shot from defender Nathan Lewis went just wide.
Five minutes later Jordan Gallagher had a good run coming in from the left and he curled his parting effort just wide of goal.
Hartley had chances on the break as the Vale pushed forward and on 80 minutes Charlie Wagstaffe set up Obeng who was unlucky to see his shot go just wide of the goal.
Issac Ebejer came on the field for around a minute before pulling up with what looked like a pulled hamstring and had to be replaced.
The introduction of Sam Bartlett brought much energy to the proceedings and almost on normal time almost scored the winner. Bartlett started the move and combined well with Obeng and on receiving the return pass shot just wide of the goal.
Into added time Hartley were almost denied a point by an offside call. Jordan Gallagher was a proverbial mile offside when receiving a through pass. He ran on for a one-on-one with Melville the Row goalkeeper who pulled off a good save. Just before the final whistle Daniel Moody almost won all the points for the Vale but his effort went just wide.
Hartley Wintney, who were due to play Marlow last night, host Southall on Saturday.