FARNHAM TN 0, EPSOM & EWELL 0

EPSOM & Ewell belied their bottom position in the Combined Counties Premier League with a spirited performance at the Memorial Ground. For a goalless draw, it was quite an entertaining game, although Farnham have to see it as points dropped at home.

Town went for an early lead against opponents who had taken only one point from eight matches and they almost got it when, straight from the kick-off, Max Meaton latched onto Charlie Bath’s ball and his strong shot was pushed against the post by keeper Colin Harris.

Skipper Meaton kept Farnham on the front foot and on the odd occasion that Epsom counter-attacked, they came up against a solid home defence, with goalkeeper Jamie Cunningham – called up the absence of Adrian Giles – looking secure.

The second half began in feisty fashion, with Josh Stepney and Epsom’s Dale Marvell picking up yellow cards. But Town created some excellent openings in this half, from both dead-ball situations and in open play. Following a corner, Jordan Stepney’s volley brought a fine close-range save from Harris.

Jack Dillon twice found himself in front of goal after running onto balls over the top, but failed to finish off.

Epsom responded with their best effort of the game on 63 minutes. Liam Roberts picked out Marvell who, from some 25 yards out, hit the bar with a left-foot drive, the ball bouncing down inches from the line before being cleared.

Farnham made a flurry of late substitutions in the quest for three points and in one frantic goalmouth scramble, three goal efforts were smothered by Epsom defenders.

“I feel we are making steps forward with a new and young squad,” said manager Paul Tanner. “Confidence is high. We were not disappointed with our performance against Epsom, but were disappointed at not getting three points.”

• Farnham visit Warminster – currently seventh in the Western League Division One – in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase this Saturday.