LESS than a week after being thrashed 7-0 by their local rivals, Farnham gave a gutsy performance to share the points in the Easter Monday clash at the Memorial Ground.

Farnham and Dave Ward parted company after that humiliation at Ash – the manager had been due to see out the season before taking up a coaching job at Godalming – and it was Scotty Colston, former manager and the club's most loyal servant, who oversaw this battling display.

No reflection on Ward, who spared nothing in his efforts to get Town out of the rut, but, as so often happens, a change of manager seemed to spur the players into greater efforts.

It was an action-packed local derby, played at a fast pace on a concrete-like surface, giving a large holiday crowd plenty of excitement.

Ash used no less than three goalkeepers, finishing the game with 10 men, while Farnham were only denied a late winner by the woodwork.

Both sides showed full commitment and the pattern was set after only 12 minutes, with the score one goal apiece.

Ash took the lead when Paul Bonner's long ball over a square defence was deftly flicked on by James Peters and with Mike Brawley having committed himself, Scott Joyce was able to score into an empty net.

But the lead lasted just two minutes as a long ball from Ross Moore found Gareth Slessor who, holding off the challenge of Danny Perks, neatly lobbed James McArthur from 18 yards.

Both teams had further good openings. Arnie Haskell's volley brought a good save from McArthur and Peters screwed a shot wide from inside the area after being set up by Ian Jopling.

It was Farnham who edged in front as the half went into injury time. Matt Wheeler's long throw-in was flicked on by Slessor for Kevin Annetts to run on and rifle an angled 18-yard shot into the far corner.

Joyce had to take over in goal for the injured McArthur at half-time, but this brought veteran Jamie Horton into the action and the former Farnborough midfielder was to play an influential role as Ash stepped up the pressure.

The visitors drew level on the hour and it was Horton who got behind the home defence on the left and centred for Jopling to tap home from close in.

The end-to-end battle continued, with Adam Rivett's 30-yard snap shot flying just wide and, at the other end, Brawley saving well from Jopling.

On 70 minutes, Ash looked to have struck a decisive blow when a corner from Bonner came right through a crowded goalmouth and Matt Short scored with the most delicate of headers.

But five minutes later the game took another dramatic turn. Joyce was sent off after foolishly kicking out at Rivett inside the area, leaving Jopling, Ash's second stand-in 'keeper, to pick the ball out of the net after Annetts had scored from the penalty spot.

And Farnham came so close to winning the game. Rivett headed against the bar after a cross from Wheeler and then the roles were reversed as Rivett took a corner and Wheeler's goalbound effort was cleared off the line by Bonner.

Ash were not finished, though, and the lively Peters brought a fine diving save from Brawley.

Given their recent struggles, this was a heartening effort by Farnham, with Danny Brown again a tower of strength in defence.

Farnham: Brawley, Wheeler, Moore, Birchnall, Haskell, Hooper, Annetts, Brown, Slessor, Rivett, Jackson. Subs (not used) Francis, Smith, A Warner.

Ash Utd: McArthur (Horton) 45), Bonner, Johnson, Hanning, Perks, Lay, Short, Wilson, Jopling, Joyce, Peters. Subs (not used) Ripley, Scott.

Scotty Colston will continue to look after the first team until the reserves finish their fixtures. Then Paul Tanner, manager of the in-form reserves (currently sixth in their division) will see things through to the end of the season.

"He took it personally," said Farnham chairman Keith Haskell, commenting on Dave Ward's resignation after last week's 7-0 defeat at Ash. "But he parted with the club on good terms, and now we've got to be positive and find someone who can do a good job over the next two or three seasons."

He has been encouraged by the interest shown in the manager's job. "We've had some good applicants and there is still time to apply."

Farnham travel to Westfield this Saturday and on Tuesday they have a home match against Viking Greenford (ko 7-45pm).