Hartley reserves lost 3-1 against a strong Farnborough North End 1st team. We went 1-0 down within the 1st 5 minutes from a corner, the ball bobbled across the penalty area & was bundled home. It took 10-15 minutes for our boys to get to grips with the pace & physical aspect of the game. But we soon got into our stride & showed some positive signs by playing some neat football. The Farnborough left back was sent off for headbutting Aaron Jessavala but could have been dismissed earlier for a number of late challenges. Farnborough looked the more likely to score throughout the half but we held our own until half time.

Only a couple of minutes into the 2nd half Hartley fell 2-0 behind. It was the softest of penalties to give away, how the referee awarded a spot kick is anyones guess.

The 2nd half saw a more confident display from Hartley, with Alex Pickering controlling the midfield, Jack Coventry getting lots of the ball out on the left & Simon Annetts looking lively up top.

We started to look more like scoring, with Rob Forkan, Simon Annetts & Alex Pickering having attempts on goal.

Simon Annetts pulled one goal back, following some classy footwork in the box he drove the ball into the net after the goalkeeper blocked his initial shot.

Hartley went 3-1 down towards the end of the game, a defensive mix up led to the Farnborough striker blasting the ball home from close range.

At 3-1 down we continued to work hard & although there is plenty to work on, overall there was some very pleasing aspects to take from this performance.

Starting XI: Aaron Carter, Josh Hollands, Steve Grundy, James Reeves, Jack Coventry, Dan Higgins, Craig Fraser, Rob Forkan, Aaron Jessvala, Ross Barnard, Stuart Alexander.

Substitutes: Alex Pickering, Simon Annetts, Phil Walters, Luke Fewtrell, Ramon San Emeterio, Jordan Eaton.