Mersey Valley kept the pressure on Stretford Paddock with another vital three points against Hartford but at times rode their luck.

Once again they started the game well. Callum Evans should have scored in the second minute, bursting through, one-on-one with the keeper but firing his against the post.

The opening goal came on 5 minutes and it was a repeat as once again Evans long throw was flicked on by Adams and turned into the back of the net from close range by Ewan Roach – his 6th goal in the last 7 games.

The visitors were on top, Evans hit the post again with the well struck free kick but overall the play from Valley was sloppy and lacked the quality needed.

The home side grew in confidence and created a couple of half chances but Valley still looked dangerous. Fraine forced the keeper into a smart save and from the resulting corner saw his front post flick cleared off the line.

In first half added on time Valley doubled their lead, Riley with a corner and the man Adams was there again to power a header home and give them a 2-0 lead at half-time.

HT: Hartford 0 Mersey Valley 2

After a lively first half the second half was very different, Valley struggling to create clear chances. Fraine was forced off with a nasty shoulder injury, replaced by Downing.

Hartford grew in confidence and got a goal back on 68 minutes after really poor defending from Valley – Lewis capitalising to beat Phillips.

Acton replaced Woolley on the right hand side but Valley started to look nervous. A good break from the home side put Jones clean through but his shot was brilliant saved by Phillips.

The moment of the match arrived in the 95th minute, Dignan with a brilliant tackle on the half way line saw the ball drop for Owen Adams inside his own half, he struck a superb long range shot which dropped over the keeper into the back of the net to send the Valley players into a huge team celebration – much more relief than anything else.

Next up is the season defining game at Lymm Rovers on Thursday night.

FT: Hartford 1 Mersey Valley 3