Hartley Wintney claimed a dramatic late victory over Ashford Town on Saturday, with substitute Isaiah Blankendal scoring a stunning 90th-minute winner, writes David Graham.
Prior to kick off it was announced that manager Rowan Vine has left the club.
Anthony Millerick, the club director of football, was in the Hartley dugout. In the Ashford dugout was former Row coach Luke Tuffs.
The match was decided by a spectacular goal in the 90th minute by substitute Isaiah Blankendal.
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The first half was a dour affair with defences very much on top. Ashford had the first chance on 16 minutes when Qasim Khan combined with Jack Arnold and the latter was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide.
Hartley’s first chance arrived on 31 minutes when Mason Obeng and Taylor Morgan set up Jayden Smith who was just unable to convert.
Three minutes later, Khan, for the visitors, got in behind the Row defence and his goal-bound shot was saved well by Killian Barrett at full stretch.
Hartley started brightly in the second half and on 50 minutes could have gone ahead.
A left-wing move led to a shot from Obeng, which Ashford keeper Toby Mawer parried.
Two follow-up shots were subsequently blocked as was a header at the back post by Liam Gavin. Ashford were eventually able to clear.
On 67 minutes Khan forced his way past the Hartley defence and his fierce shot brought out a fine save from Barrett.
The introduction of Row substitute Isaiah Blankendal was to make a huge difference. On 82 minutes Blankendal made space on the right and his fierce shot brought out a good save from Mawer in the visitors' goal.
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However, the youngster was not to be denied and won the match with a spectacular goal.
Picking the ball up on the halfway line, Blenkendal managed to stay on his feet following a clumsy challenge and headed towards the Ashford goal.
When 25 yards from goal he unleashed a ferocious shot that crashed into the net leaving Mawer with no chance.
The visitors rallied in the remaining minutes but the Row held firm to claim the points.
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