HARTLEY WINTNEY 2, FARNHAM TN 1

COMBINED Counties League leaders Hartley Wintney avenged their 4-2 defeat at the Memorial Ground last month, but were made to work mighty hard for the three points on Tuesday night.

Farnham were strong and resolute, particularly solid at the back, and it took two fine free-kick goals to break their resistance.

Given the amount of possession they had, and the chances they created, Paul Tanner’s side deserved at least a draw, yet Hartley Wintney again showed the ability to come away with the points and their 25th victory in 30 matches keeps them firmly on course for the league title.

Wintney have games in hand over all their nearest rivals, barring Camberley, but there is still a long way to go in this weather-disrupted season and The Row face some testing fixtures.

Steve Duff put the home side ahead on 31 minutes with a sweetly-struck free-kick from some 30 yards.

But Farnham were always in contention and Jon Lancashire’s 60th-minute goal left the result in the balance.

However, Dean Stow restored the lead with a low free-kick that snaked inside the left-hand post.

Farnham continued to give as good as they got, but The Row were strong in the last ten minutes as they saw the game out.

“We performed well and overall I was happy,” said Paul Tanner. “But it’s important that we take points from the games coming up on Thursday and Saturday.”