Rams prove too strong for Farnham

A WEAKENED Farnham Town suffered a 4-2 defeat to AFC Croydon Athletic on Saturday in the Combined Counties Premier Division South.

Wearing a blue and yellow kit, selected to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, an injury-ravaged Farnham fought hard but were ultimately out-muscled.

With several senior players unavailable, Tony Reid named a line-up including Harrison Burke and Max Cunningham from the U18 side.

After seven minutes, however, Farnham conceded. The defence stood off and gave Croydon time to work the ball across the area, before Nahum Green had the space to turn and pick his spot to give his side the lead.

Farnham played their way back into the game and were rewarded in the 27th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Josh Ogunseye. The fouled player dusted himself off to slot home the spot kick and equalise.

Two minutes later Paul Chalobah, impressing in a more advanced role, drifted into the Croydon area and met a cross with a crisp volley that stuck the bar. The rebound fell perfectly for Michael Coppinger six yards out, but he miscued and the opportunity was gone.

The remainder of the first half saw Croydon in the ascendancy, and although Farnham held on until half-time, the Rams re-established their lead just two minutes into the second half when Carl Obilitey was allowed an uncontested near post header from a Croydon corner.

Farnham came back again when Finley Warren played in Will May after another good run by Chalobah, to score.

Croydon regained the lead in the 59th minute when a far post header from a corner came back off the bar before striking Farnham goalkeeper Richard Ossai on the back and going over the line.

Then as Farnham pressed for their third equaliser, they were undone three minutes from time when an inswinging free-kick from the right was headed home at the far post by Croydon centre back Will Grievesen.

and the striker made space before firing a powerful shot into the net. Tiverton pressed to get back into the game but were unable to create a clear opening. A full eight minutes of added time was played but Hartley Wintney held firm to claim three important points and virtually secure their place in the Southern League Premier next season.