THE competitive football season officially starts this weekend, but some of the teams stole a march on the rest and played their first games on Tuesday night.

Farnham Town and Badshot Lea opened their Combined Counties Premier League campaigns with a local derby, Farnham emerging 2-1 winners in a close-fought game at Ash United’s ground.

Paul Tanner’s side enjoyed some good possession in the first half and took the lead with a well-worked goal. Jack Dillon beat his man for pace and his pull-back was perfect for Stan Staines to strike home.

Badshot Lea, under new manager Neville Roach, came back strongly in the second half, although rarely troubling Matt Petts in the Town goal.

The Baggies finally did draw level, Harrison Shade scoring in the 83rd minute, but Farnham put in a strong finish and forced an error which enabled Elliott Cardona to pounce for the winner.

An encouraging start for Farnham who were disappointed to lose star striker Matt Glass to league rivals Guildford City in the close season. The army player was outstanding last season and helped Farnham to a memorable win over Camberley in the Challenge Cup final.

However, strike partner Mark Corbett is back at Town after a short spell with Walton & Hersham and Tanner has signed three likely newcomers – Dan Spurr, Sam De St Croix and Doug Ford. Matt Graham spent part of the pre-season at Petersfield Town, but has decided to stay with Farnham who travel to Crowborough in the extra preliminary round of the FA?Cup this Saturday.

Farnham, who have worked hard to improve a waterlogging problem at the Memorial Ground, face a tough opening few games, with Camberley amongst their early visitors on August 16.

Alton Town began their Sydenhams League (Wessex)?Division One programme with a creditable 2-2 draw against Tadley Calleva at the Anstey Park Enclosure.

The Brewers, who had to play the last 15 minutes with ten men, scored through Curtis Thorn and Peter Millington-Lee. Goalkeeper Lee Allen distinguished himself with a fine penalty save just before half-time.

Alton are away to Pewsey Vale this Saturday.

Alresford Town, fortunate to avoid relegation due to expansion of the Sydenhams Premier Division to 22 teams, travel to Western Premier League side Bridport in the FA Cup for their opening fixture.

Petersfield visit Chalfont in their first Evo-Stik Southern League Div I Central game of the season.