EASTBOURNE TN 3, FARNHAM TN 2, aet

FARNHAM were left fuming after Eastbourne scored a controversial winner deep into extra time in this FA Vase thriller on the coast.

John Lancashire appeared to be fouled as Farnham defended their own penalty area and the referee actually put the whistle in his mouth without blowing it.

Time seemed to stand still and Farnham stayed rooted as Eastbourne’s Wes Tate walked forward and struck the ball into the back of the net for the winner.

“They definitely played their get out of jail card,” said manager Paul Tanner. “We felt we were robbed because we dominated most of this match.”

Eastbourne are unbeaten in the Southern Combination Premier League, but the visitors created the better chances in front of a large crowd at The Saffrons.

However, Farnham’s defending left something to be desired. With just three minutes gone, they were caught cold at a corner-kick and Callum Sherriff snapped up the first goal.

The visitors looked more of a threat in attack and drew level after 32 minutes when Joe Sowden cut inside from the left and struck home a sweet right-foot shot from outside the box.

Farnham enjoyed good possession in the second half and had enough openings to put the game to bed.

But again their defending inside their own 18-yard area was not too clever and Aaron Capon restored Eastbourne’s lead against the run of play.

The home side looked to be edging through 2-1 until Elliott Cardona scored a wonder goal at the death to take the tie to extra time.

The sides looked to be preparing for a possible shoot-out as the pace slowed in extra time, but the referee had the final word as far as Farnham were concerned and it was a disgrunted group that began the long trip back to Surrey.

Farnham drew 1-1 at Bedfont Sports in the league on Tuesday. George Spiers scored for Farnham.