WARMINSTER 0, FARNHAM TN 4

THE day started badly for Farnham, but they ultimately pulled rank over Western League Division One outfit Warminster Town in this FA Vase tie.

With traffic problems on the M3 and then a blowout on the M4, Farnham were seriously delayed. Thanks to social media, they were able to submit their team-sheet by 2pm and finally arrived at the Weymouth Street ground 15 minutes before kick-off.

Not surprisingly, Farnham began shakily and Warminster had a couple of decent chances in the first 15 minutes, only denied by keeper Adrian Giles who first saved one-handed to his left and then went to ground to foil the home team in a one-on-one.

Farnham eventually settled and began to dominate possession, with Nick Metcalf and Jack Dillon running the home full-backs ragged.

The visitors took control of the match with two goals in quick succession.

Metcalf played another ball in from the right and Max Meaton drilled a strong shot into the left-hand corner of the net.

And it was a similar delivery from Metcalf that allowed Dillon to head powerfully into the back of the net for the second goal.

Solid play down both flanks by Farnham’s own full-backs, James Flynn and Jamie Phillips, pushed Warminster even further back into their own half

The third goal came before half-time and effectively killed Warminster off. Phillips’ cross was headed goalwards by Jordan Stepney and Dillon was there to add the final touch.

Just before the interval, skipper Meaton went off with an injury that will keep him out for a fortnight, but Farnham were determined to keep a clean sheet.

They conceded too many free-kicks at first, allowing Warminster a period of pressure, but the defence held firm and, later in the half, Town put together some attractive moves around the penalty area.

A penalty offered Dillon the chance of a hat-trick, but he made way for substitute Steve Ramsden, the elected taker, who duly scored from the spot to make it 4-0.

So Farnham are through to the first round proper and they face a tough home match against Lymington on Saturday, October 21. The New Forest side are unbeaten in the Sydenhams League Premier Division, winning six of their first eight matches, and thumped Hamworthy 6-1 in the Vase last weekend.

• Farnham host Banstead Athletic in the league this Saturday. On Tuesday, Town entertain Badshot Lea in the Aldershot Senior Cup second round.