FARNHAM TOWN 2, RAYNES PARK VALE 1

FARNHAM came from behind on Saturday to record a vital win that put them 11 points above the drop-zone in the Combined Counties Premier League.

Paul Tanner was pleased with the grit his side showed after relegation candidates Raynes Park Vale had taken the lead from a disputed penalty just before the interval.

“We were disappointed at half-time, but still had an edge of confidence I believed would win us the game,” said the manager.

“I would like to highlight the attitude of all the players, new and old, who have come into the squad and are performing to the levels we need to stay in this league.”

The Memorial Ground became a quagmire as rain lashed down for most of the game, causing it to be a physical battle in tough conditions.

Farnham controlled most of the first half, but were restricted to occasional half-chances, while the visitors’ pots at goal from distance never looked like troubling Richard Ossai in the home goal.

However, three minutes before half-time, referee Arjen Babakhaniou penalised Doug Ford for handling, when the defender could hardly get out of the way, and Gabe Adesina drilled home the spot kick.

Farnham needed to hit back early in the second half and they did just that. Four minutes in, Max Meaton put in a teasing cross and Stan Staines reached the ball first at the near post to equalise with a neat finish.

The game then opened right up, with both teams having chances to edge in front.

Finally, in the 80th minute, Tanner made a game-changing move, bringing on Jack Dillon for Meaton.

Dillon’s pace proved a late nightmare for the opposing left-back and the substitute broke Raynes Park’s heart with a rifle shot into the top corner for the 85th-minute winner.

Farnham: Ossai, Giles, Williams, Spiers, Ford, Cox, Meaton, Staines, Lancashire, Ramsden, Cardona. Subs: Slater, Wilson, Poole, Dillon.

* Farnham are away to CB Hounslow this Saturday. On Tuesday (Jan 24), they visit Camberley in the Aldershot Senior Cup quarter-finals. Farnham will hope to avenge their recent thrashing in the Premier Challenge Cup.

Teenage keeper impresses

FARNHAM 1, Walton & Hersham 1. Tuesday’s game went ahead at the Memorial Ground, despite the freezing weather, and Farnham continued their gritty form with a useful point against top-five side Walton & Hersham.

Farnham shook the visitors by taking the lead inside five minutes. A typical breakaway move involved Jack Dillon and Elliott and it was Cardona who slotted the ball home.

Town looked strong in defence and midfield and Dillon almost doubled the lead with a shot that slipped past the post.

But towards half-time, the visitors put Farnham under serious pressure and Lea Van Sullivan equalised.

Walton continued to press in the second half, while Farnham always threatened on the counter, and there were chances at both ends. Town’s 17-year-old keeper, Aaron Holt, did extremely well, keeping a cool head under intense pressure.