FARNHAM TN 0, CAMBERLEY TN 3

AFTER an encouraging performance against Spelthorne on Easter Saturday, Farnham were looking to carry on the good work with two Combined Counties Premier League matches in three days – local rivals Camberley at home on Thursday and relegation rivals AFC Hayes away on Saturday.

However, Town’s dire relegation predicament grew worse as they finished both games goalless and pointless, although the footballing gods conspired against them at times.

First up, was the visit of the Krooners and, as usual, it was a bruising contest, with players thundering into tackles in the quest for local bragging rights.

The referee produced several yellow cards in an attempt to keep things under control, but things boiled over in the 34th minute. A poor challenge from Farnham’s Max Meaton led to a vociferous exchange. Ashley Peck got involved and, when confronted aggressively, reacted by putting his head in, leading inevitably to referee Tom Holden showing a red card. Town down to 10 men and, from that moment on, always up against it.

In no small part due to the referee’s firm actions, the players let the football do the talking for the rest of what was an entertaining game, albeit not one that provided the desired result for Farnham.

It was still 0-0 at the interval, but the visitors used their numerical advantage to dominate the second half.

Their opening goal on 64 minutes had more than a touch of good fortune, though. A free-kick was laid off to Jack Dean, whose well-struck effort looked to be covered by keeper Richard Ossai until it took a wicked deflection off the wall and nestled in the opposite corner.

Seven minutes later, it was 2-0 and again a big deflection played its part. A cross from the left struck left-back Tom Smith and looped high into the air, wrongfooting all the home defenders and allowing Tommy Stevens to head home for Camberley.

A further seven minutes later, the Krooners put the game beyond Farnham and this time there was no luck involved, Jamie Hoppitt curling in a delightful effort from the edge of the area.

AFC HAYES 1,

FARNHAM 0

It was a relegation six-pointer between AFC Hayes and Farnham at Farm Park on Saturday.

The hectic fixture schedule seemed to have taken its toll on the Town players, with Tom Smith withdrawing injured and George Spiers picking up a knock during the warm-up, forcing boss Emmanuel Boudine to make a late reshuffle.

The game was short on quality, not helped by a poor surface, some baffling refereeing decisions and the nervousness of the players in such a crucial game.

Both sides were let down by wayward finishing and final balls, while Farnham were denied a likely penalty when Jack Dillon was upended in the area.

It was scoreless at the interval, but, attacking up the slope in the second half, Town dominated for long spells and should have scored. Nick Medcraft and Sharif Yacoob both came agonisingly close.

Farnham were made to pay for their prolifigacy in front of goal when the home side snatched the lead in the 77th minute. A hopeful long ball out of midfield meandered towards the far touchline. No Farnham players chased the loose ball, allowing Hayes to put a low cross back into the danger area. Defenders rushed back to cover, but too late as the ball struck James Flynn and found its way into the back of the net, with Ryan Phillips claiming the goal.

Hard lines on Flynn who was Farnham’s man of the match.

Farnham pressed hard as Hayes looked to protect their lead, but were unable to seriously test the home keeper and the long wait for a league victory goes on.

The chances to find that victory come thick and fast, with Farnham scheduled to play three times in six days. They travel to Balham today (Thurs) and Saturday brings the Hogs Back derby against Guildford City at the Memorial Ground (ko 3pm). On Tuesday (March 17), Farnham face a tough mission at Hartley Wintney in the semi-finals of the Aldershot FA Senior Cup (ko 7.45pm). Farnham are bidding for a third cup-final appearance in three seasons.