HARTPURY FC produced a remarkable display of resilience to secure a 2-1 victory away at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, despite finishing the contest with just nine men.

A brace from Louis Manning proved decisive at the Imagine Cruising Stadium, as Hartpury FC returned to winning ways in the Southern League Division One South.

The visitors created the first opening when Nathan Jenkins saw a volley drift narrowly wide after seven minutes, before Supermarine responded through Tawana Changa, whose effort cleared the bar.

Hartpury continued to threaten, with Vanylson Silva testing goalkeeper Luke Purnell, while Seth Locke was called into action to deny Brad Hooper.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half, but defended superbly, with a crucial goal-line clearance from Noah Coates helping to keep the game level.

That clearance proved a turning point, as Hartpury struck just five minutes before the break. Billy Osborn threaded a pass through to Manning, who finished calmly into the corner to give the Acorns a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Supermarine levelled on the hour through Sal Abubakar, who found the top corner from the edge of the area, but Hartpury responded impressively.

Manning restored the advantage shortly after, reacting quickest when a cross from Jenkins was not dealt with, and turning the ball home from close range.

The task became even tougher when Hartpury were reduced to nine men after Osborn was dismissed, yet they continued to show determination in defence.

Late pressure from the hosts was repelled, with a vital block from Josh Roney in the closing stages preserving all three points for the visitors.

Hartpury will now look to build on the result when they return to the 4ED Hartpury Stadium to face Bideford AFC on Good Friday.