A first win in 10 matches was a much-needed boost to morale for Farnham Town who convincingly beat a combative Feltham side on Saturday (writes Neill Barston).
A glimpse of winter sun seemed to lift Farnham who gave a defiant display, despite several injuries and the loss of inspirational captain Lee Raby to local rivals Ash United.
Sadly, there was only a sparse crowd, barely registering equal with the number on the pitch, to witness the club's first win since November 10.
Farnham got the start they wanted when, after 10 minutes, nippy number 2 Paul Brooks carried the ball into the Feltham area before striking cleanly past goalkeeper Colin Ryder.
Mid-table Feltham piled on the pressure in response and, yet again, Town had to rely on 'keeper Chris Edmonds to keep their slender lead intact.
Gareth Slessor did well to divert a goalbound strike from the exotically monikered Hads-Lakehal. The under-siege Edmonds followed up with a vital one-on-one save.
Barely having drawn breath, he was tested again from a free-kick outside the area, tipping the ball over at full stretch.
But Farnham tightened up their game and produced some solid attacking moves.
After 30 minutes, they claimed a second goal against the run of play.
Scott Hooper played in a teasing cross and Ben Williams duly obliged with a firm header into the top corner.
Farnham enjoyed largely one-way traffic in the second half.
Both sides lost discipline at times, but Town dug deep and showed a welcome confidence which only being in front can instil, passing the ball around with some flair.
Nigel Moore took advantage of a nicely timed through-ball after 65 minutes, making it 3-0 with a sweet header.
Feltham, however, refused to lie down and Hads-Lakehal finished off a good move with a quality strike to at last beat Edmonds.
However, the points were sealed in the 70th minute when Graeme Miles latched on to a decent cross from the left and found the target with a precise shot.
Tempers began to fray as both sides tired on the pudding-like pitch and the sturdy Slessor was sent off after indulging in a bout of fisitcuffs.
Town manager Andy Nunn brought himself of the bench in the dying moments to help keep the peace in a match which had, until then, been booking-free.
A relieved Nunn said: "We started very positively, knowing results had to change as we have not scored this year.
"Everyone was lifted by the first goal and we deserved everything we got."
And there was a special word for 'keeper Chris Edmonds. "He's the best in the league," declared Nunn.
He also praised new captain Vince Decicco. "He's a much-improved defender, as he showed with a solid display in this match."
He added that Farnham now needed consistency and an improved strike rate. "But I'm encouraged by this performance."
Farnham: Edmonds, Hatton, Slessor, N Moore, Decicco, Blake, Hooper, Miles, Williams, Brooks, M Wheeler. Subs Snowdon, Nunn (both used), Middleton.