FARNHAM TN 1, CHESSINGTON & HOOK 0

THREE points from a hard-fought and often bruising encounter with Chessington & Hook took Farnham to the top of the Combined Counties League Division One.

This was Town’s fifth victory in seven games, but they had to work hard for every second of the game and were indebted to Cameron Kennedy for a series of fine stops in the first half. One reaction save low to his left drew applause from both sets of supporters.

Farnham also had openings, but just couldn’t find that killer touch, although one pointblank Charlie Horwood header brought a great tip-over save from Reece Ellis.

The second half followed a similarly tight pattern, but now Farnham’s back four seemed to have got to grips with the visitors’ formation and threats to the home goal became less frequent.

The crucial goal came in the 53rd minute and resulted from a well-worked Farnham team move. A period of keep-ball eventually saw it worked out right to Max Meaton who took a touch before delivering a pinpoint cross that Horwood headed home at the far post while under pressure from keeper Ellis.

The visitors furiously protested that the ball had been headed out of the keeper’s hands, but after a brief chat with his assistant, referee William Siegmund signalled a goal.

A disgruntled Chessington questioned nearly every decision and with Farnham’s discipline also deserting them, the last half-hour was eminently forgettable, with hardly a chance at either end.

The visitors were still arguing at the final whistle and had a player dismissed for his prolonged protests.

Not the prettiest of games, but it’s perhaps the sign of a good team when they take maximum points despite not being at their best. None of the Town faithful will be complaining as Luke Turkington’s side sit proudly top of the division.

Farnham begin their FA Vase campaign this weekend, travelling up the M40 to play Hellenic League Division One side Thame Rangers in the second qualifying round. Town will be hoping to emulate last season’s run – the best for over 40 years.

On Tuesday, Farnham host Premier Division newcomers Southall FC in the first round of the CCL?Challenge Cup (ko 7.45pm). An FA Vase replay would take precedence, however.