FARNHAM TOWN 4, AFC HAYES 1 (Combined Counties Premier League)

FARNHAM put a poor run of results behind them with a rousing win against AFC Hayes at the Memorial Ground.

Paul Tanner rang the changes and had some hard words for his players before kick-off.

“I thought it fit to express a strong opinion on how I felt we had been dropping silly points in recent games,” said the Town manager. “The performances have been far better than our position suggests, but isolated incidents have cost us valuable points.”

In an attempt to toughen up his side, Tanner brought in defensive midfielders Darren Wilson and Jack Cox to sit behind the technically sound Joe Clarke, son of former Chelsea defender and Scotland international Steve Clarke.

After soaking up 15 minutes of Hayes pressure, Farnham began to settle down and see more of the ball. Their increasing confidence had much to do with the hold-up play of Jon Lancashire, while newly signed Nick Medcalf slotted in nicely at right-back, allowing Max Meaton to switch to the left.

An evenly-fought first half ended goalless, with the Londoners being restricted to a long-range effort that was comfortably taken by Richard Ossai.

Town’s concentration levels were much improved and the benefits were to be seen as they took control after half-time.

Within a minute of the restart, Clarke and Lancashire worked the ball forward and after Lancashire’s shot was blocked by Cameron Kennedy, Medcalf arrived in the box to slot home the vital first goal.

Hayes then found themselves pushed right back into their own half as Farnham dominated possession.

Two substitutions midway through the half brought Steve Ramsden and the returning Doug Ford into the action. Ford took over in central defence, with Ben Williams moving to left-back.

On 65 minutes, Town deservedly doubled their lead, albeit from a penalty after Elliott Cardona was brought down as he rounded keeper Kennedy. Ramsden, having almost his first touch, executed the penalty with precision.

And Farnham had the game sewn up five minutes later when Cardona latched on to Medcalf’s cross and finished clinically.

In the 84th minute, Farnham were awarded another penalty for a blatant foul on Lancashire and Ramsden, changing his line of attack, again beat Kennedy comprehensively.

Much to Tanner’s evident annoyance, Farnham failed to keep a clean sheet. Deep into added time, they switched off at a free-kick and skipper Lawrence Artic pulled one back for Hayes.

“We need to raise our game even more if we are to finish in the position that I feel this squad is good enough to achieve,” said the manager.

This Saturday, Farnham are at bottom side Bedfont & Feltham. On Tuesday they have the chance to salvage some pride when they visit Camberley for an Aldershot FA Senior Cup quarter-final. Camberley, who lost to Farnham in last season’s Challenge Cup final, thrashed their local rivals 5-1 in the league at Christmas.

Horley Town 1, Farnham Town 2. Farnham notched up a second consecutive win with an excellent result at seventh-placed Horley on Tuesday.

Paul Tanner had to make five changes from Saturday, but saw his side take an early lead. Joe Clarke and Elliott led a breakaway attack and Jack Dillon beat the oncoming keeper with a neat left-foot shot.

The visitors were then forced to defend deep and afer denying Horley with some vital blocks, conceded an equaliser shortly before the interval.

Farnham’s passing improved markedly in the second half, giving them plenty of possession.

Steve Ramsden, who had replaced the injured Clarke, scored the decisive goal, finishing coolly after another swift counter-attack.

* Joe Clarke has played for Farnham since his father, Steve Clarke, was assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

The Clarke family lived at Farnborough and Joe went to school at All Hallows and was with Chelsea as a youngster.

Injury hampered his progress, but he is enjoying his football with Farnham in the Combined Counties Premier League.