BADSHOT LEA 3, FARNHAM TN 1

FARNHAM Town and Badshot League are both struggling to kick-start their Combined Counties League seasons, but the Baggies won the local bragging rights when the sides met in the FA Vase at Ash United’s ground last Friday.

Town led 1-0 at half-time, but Badshot Lea skipper Darren Blake scored twice and a late third goal from Farnborough loanee Julian Goater clinched a place in the second qualifying round and an away tie with CCL Premier Division rivals Abbey Rangers.

Friday’s match began brightly for Farnham and they looked to be well on their way when midfielder Stan Staines put them in front after 17 minutes.

Crucially, the visitors missed two more decent chances, while Badshot Lea should have equalised just before the break when Town keeper Richard Ossai took out Goater. Matt Stamp’s spot kick hit the post and although he followed in to net the rebound, the goal was disallowed.

There was only one goal in it at the interval and Neville Roach’s rebuilt Badshot Lea were a very different side in the second half, reaping the rewards of team-work and a will to win.

Blake headed the equaliser in the 63rd minute and, thereafter, Farnham’s play deteriorated while the Baggies blossomed as they got the ball forward and used the full width of the pitch to great effect.

With ten minutes go, Blake popped up again to put his side in front and Goater’s late strike – a spectacular 25-yard shot – was the icing on the cake.

“We had a fair pre- season after losing major players, but since the first two games it’s been quite a struggle,” said Farnham manager Paul Tanner.

“It will take time for the new personnel to settle in. We had to play several players out of position, but that takes nothing away from Badshot Lea who deserved to win on their second-half performance.

“We were woeful in the second half – we lacked energy, quality and decent decision-making.

“There’s been a reaction after our great season, but we have time on our side and I have faith in the new and existing players to turn things around.”