Hartley Wintney travelled to Ascot for a Guy Fawkes night fixture looking to improve after the weekend's home defeat against Westside.

However, in the first half, it was the Yellas from Ascot who produced the fireworks as they raced in to a three-goal half-time lead. On 8 minutes Harry Grant for Ascot plotted a free kick on the right which saw a Sean Fraser header flash just wide of the goal.

On 16 minutes, the Row loaned the Yellamen a box of matches as they conceded a very poor goal. A long ball forward saw the Hartley defence awaiting the arrival of goalkeeper Kie Plumley to clear. Eventually, when he did move forward he was beaten to the ball by ANA IGOZOULIN who shot home (1-0).

As Hartley attacks fizzled out, the home side increased their lead on 31 minutes. Former Hartley player Khalid Simmo found space on the right and threaded a pass into the path of HARRY GRANT who shot into the net  (2-0).

As the Row toiled, Ascot added a third on 39 minutes. A long ball forward saw a breakdown in communication between Hartley defenders. Eventually, Aaron Burchett lost possession and pulled down Igozoulin in the penalty area. ANAS IGOZOULIN converted the resultant spot kick (3-0).

The Yellas almost added a fourth on the stroke of half time when Simmo crossed and former Row striker Taylor Morgan shot wide.

HALF TIME: ASCOT UNITED 3 HARTLEY WINTNEY 0

Hartley made a number of changes at the interval looking to start with a bang. The introduction of Liam Gavin in defence improved the Row defending although they had a let-off on 48 minutes. Igazoulin played in Chad Coulter on the left and the full-back's shot hit the crossbar.

The Row sparked into life and on 64 minutes a cross from the left by George Wallace was headed wide by Jack Penton. Four minutes later, a long free kick from George Winser found Gavin who was unlucky to see his header bounce over the bar. Row came close again on 79 minutes as a Winser cross found Mac Ford whose knockdown found Conor Lynch who shot wide. Four minutes from the end a cross from Alex McAllister saw Ford unable to convert.

So the Hartley effort finished like a damp squib. The team managers will be looking for a much-improved performance from Saturday’s home fixture against much fancied Kingstonian.

FULL TIME: ASCOT UNITED 3 HARTLEY WINTNEY 0  

Hartley Man of the Match - GEORGE WINSER

Attendance 173 Entertainment  2/5