A Herculean effort by groundsman Tony King and helpers ensured that Hartley Wintney v Southall went ahead despite the challenges posed by Storm Bert, writes David Graham.
Hartley started on the front foot and on six minutes Charlie Postance linked with Tyler Hayles and the latter saw his shot saved by the feet of All keeper Michael Edegbe.
The game became a midfield tussle with no real chances at either end.
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A swift ball out to Ellis Orsborne on the right saw the defender make good progress.
At the right time he played a precise pass to Conor Lynch who fired home from 15 yards (1-0).
Eight minutes later Southall had a chance from a free kick on the left.
Ryan Hope sent in a low cross which saw Hartley keeper Nick Jupp bring out a smart save at the near post.
The second half carried on very much as the first with very little goalmouth action.
Lynch and Postance combined on 47 minutes and the latter saw his close range shot blocked.
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Hartley held a slight edge in play and doubled their lead on 78 minutes thanks to some excellent refereeing.
During a Row attack Alex McAllister was crudely brought down.
Referee Jacob Wright did not blow for the infringement as he saw the Row were still in possession.
Jack Penton picked the precise moment to pass to Lamar Koroma who ran on to shoot past Edegbe (2-0).
Southall strived hard to reduce the arrears in the deteriorating conditions with stronger winds and heavier rain.
However the last chance on 84 minutes fell to Hartley when Aderi Dede laid off to Orsborne who saw his shot saved by Edegbe.
Manager Nick Meads commended his team for adapting to the conditions, ensuring the game was not overcomplicated.
The manager also acknowledged the referee's excellent handling of the second goal incident, which he described as 'justice served'.
A special mention was given to groundsman Tony King and his team for their efforts in ensuring the match took place, their hard work being rewarded with a win.
Meads expressed satisfaction with the club's current camaraderie and their current third-place standing.
He said: "There is a very strong togetherness in the club."
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