Hartley Wintney picked up three important points at Hayes and Yeading United with a 2-1 win in their quest to move out of the relegation places.

This was the first win the Row have achieved over United in seven attempts.

The visitors started the better and took the lead on 12 minutes courtesy of an error by the Hayes and Yeading goalkeeper Callum Coulter. 

A through ball from Kingsley Eshun looked overhit. However, Coulter came out and spilled the ball allowing a challenge for possession with the Row’s Zidan Akers.

Akers showed good determination to win the ball and his unselfish pass across goal allowed Paul Hodges to fire home from 12 yards. (0-1)

The Row lead was to last just three minutes as United responded strongly. A patient and skillful build-up through midfield eventually saw the ball moved to Sanmi Odelusi.

The midfielder held off a few challenges before creating space for a shot that went across Hartley keeper Damian Niemcrzcki and into the corner of the net. (1-1)

On 26 minutes Hartley went ahead again.  An incisive move down the right enabled Akers to cross to Hodges who saw his spoon shot loop over the stranded Coulter and drop into the net. (1-2)

The Row almost increased their lead on 35 minutes after putting together their best move of the match. Webb released Eshun down the left and the accurate low cross found the inrushing  Nicholas. The striker's shot from close range brought out an excellent save from Coulter.

After the break, Hayes and Yeading started in the ascendancy and that was how it remained for the vast bulk of the second period.

But the Row defence held firm with Niemcrzyki having no saves to make.