Farnham let a two-goal lead slip away in the local derby against struggling Godalming on Tuesday night.

Town had seemed well on course for a first win under new manager Dave Ward, but Godalming managed to sneak a point from a hotly disputed penalty in the 88th minute.

Skipper Matt Edwards was penalised after what looked simply a collision inside the box and Jim Clarke calmly converted the spot kick for the relieved visitors.

In fairness, Godalming had fought back well after going two down in the 55th minute and perhaps deserved at least a draw after dominating much of the second half.

Like Chessington on Saturday, they had struggled to find an answer to Farnham's 4-5-1 formation.

Alan Morgan was back to play the lone striker's role and did it supremely well, even though he missed a gilt-edged chance to make it 3-1 with 12 minutes left.

Morgan never stopped running and knew enough tricks of the trade to give Godalming's defence plenty of trouble.

The first half was a forgettable affair, with hardly a shot on target. Godalming had most of the pressure, but were continually halted by Town's hard-tackling midfield.

The only shot worthy of the name came three minutes before half-time when promising youngster Adam Rivett tested Godalming's Dave Tidey with a swerving drive.

The second half was a much livelier affair, starting with Morgan's solo effort that put Farnham in front after only three minutes. The Godalming defenders seemed bemused as the striker dodged and weaved around the area. Tidey also appeared bewildered because Morgan's final shot, hard and straight, went right under the goalkeeper.

Another blunder in the visitors' defence almost resulted in a second goal, the stranded Tidey just getting a hand to Morgan's attempted chip.

However, Farnham soon extended their lead. As Chris Evans swung in a corner from the right, Godalming player-manager Roger Steer was bellowing 'Watch the number four.' It was a warning his players failed to heed because Matt Wheeler arrived undetected on the far post to score with an unstoppable header.

Having played with such commitment and discipline to get in that position, Farnham relaxed just a bit – and paid the price.

Six minutes later, Godalming won a free-kick on the right and Paul Jones played in a cross that an unmarked Neil Munro was able to tuck away at his leisure.

It was suddenly a different game as Godalming, after a couple of substitutions, clicked into gear, helped by the fact that Farnham's midfield were playing much deeper.

Shaun Lydon forced Neil Grimes into a sprawling save and Farnham were lucky when a blistering shot from Clarke was deflected wide for one of several corners.

Fortune again favoured Town as Munro shaved the post with a ferocious shot from the edge of the box.

Farnham at last managed to turn the tide, helped by substitute Scott Baker whose fresh legs brought some bite back to the midfield.

They had a great chance to wrap up the points in the 78th minute. Duncan Evans supplied an inch-perfect cross, only for Morgan to blot his copy-book with an unchallenged header well over the crossbar.

The contentious late penalty enabled Godalming to pull level, but even then Farnham could have won it. After a great first touch, Edwards hit a fizzing shot that brought the save of the night from Tidey.

"It was another sign of our improvement," said Dave Ward. "The commitment and effort was excellent, but the result was disappointing. We were very unlucky with the late penalty."

Farnham: Grimes, Brooks, D Evans, Wheeler, Grimshaw, Edwards, Brown (Baker 78 mins), C Evans, Rivett, Morgan, Williams. Subs (not used) Hooper, Ellis.

Godalming: Tidey, Jones, Steer (Atkins 50 mins), Stratton, Flynn, Munro, Mariner, Clarke, Newman, Lydon, Ward (Elliott 62 mins). Sub Ayling (for Atkins 73 mins).

Farnham are home to high-riding Withdean this Saturday (ko 3 pm).

Farnham Reserves beat Cobham 4-2, after extra time, in an action-packed Challenge Cup match. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 in extra time before Farnham won the day with excellent goals from Jason Frommholz and Ross Moore. Andy Warner and Stuart Pink also scored for Town who had Darren Moore sent off.