A GOAL in each half from Southall was enough to enable them to consolidate their play-off position at the expense of Hartley Row, writes David Graham.

The match was played at Burnham where Southall are currently ground-sharing.

Hartley started the better and had their best spell of the match in the first 15 minutes.

On seven minutes Conor Lynch a loan signing from Winchester City got on the end of a decent move from the Row and brought out a comfortable save from a well-positioned Michael Edegbe in the home sides goal.

Hartley continued to probe and on 13 minutes Marcio Neves sent Lynch beyond the Southall defence and the striker was inches wide with his shot.

Southall continued to probe and came close on 21 minutes when a long free kick from the left was headed narrowly over by William Montague. 

Hartley responded and a corner on the right by Adam Payce found Liam Gavin who saw his header find the gloves of Edegbe.

The opening goal arrived on 14 minutes. A long ball forward found Anthony O'Connor behind the Hartley defence and getting the benefit of an offside call.

The striker showed composure in shooting past Coulter. Hartley complained bitterly about the possible offside but the goal stood. (1-0)

As in the first period the Row started the second half well.

Neither side was able to create a meaningful chance until the 60th minute when Southall scored a second goal.  The goal came as a result of the best move of the match.

Ryan Hope started the move in midfield and after an exchange of passes through the Row defence Hope continued his run and shot home from just inside the penalty area. (2-0).

Southall managed to force the odd chance from scrambles in the Hartley goalmouth and Coulter came to the rescue with several brave close range blocks.

The introduction of Sam Bartlett from the Row bench injected some thrust into the Hartley attack.

On 85 minutes Bartlett managed to get clear down the right and his low cross just eluded the inrushing Lynch. 

The well-organised Southall defence held on to record a deserved win.