Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson was pleased with his side’s performance after they beat Balham 4-0 in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday.

Goals from Shamal Edwards, Owen Dean (2) and Adam Liddle gave the champions the three points at The Memorial Ground.

It took the home side 38 minutes to score their opening goal, and Johnson felt his side were worthy winners.

“I think the first half-hour was really scrappy, with no real quality in it,” said Johnson. “I thought Balham worked really hard and closed everything down. Eventually a little bit of quality shone through in the first half and we controlled the second half well. We cruised through the second half.

“Owen was good. He had the one-on-one he should have put away, but he took it a little bit early. The first goal he rolled it across to Shamal to tap it in. That was unselfish and he got his reward shortly afterwards. It took half an hour to get to grips with Balham, but once we did we were firmly in control.

“We didn't say too much from the sideline – we wanted them to work out what Balham were doing. It took a while, but we got better and half-time was about making changes, understanding what they were doing and punishing them.

“The bench we had was really strong. You're bringing on Lamar Koroma, Adam and Charlie Postance with his physical presence. Adam and Lamar were full of running. They made a big impact and I don't think Balham got out their half in the second half.”

Farnham have already begun planning for next season, with Owen Dean and Darryl Sanders signing new contracts.

“I’m delighted to get those two on board for next season,” said Johnson. “It’s a big boost – and a big boost for Owen as well. He's come through the ranks here. At the start of the season he would have been looking and thinking as a young lad will he play as much with what we were bringing in. Rightly so he's starting every week at the minute – he's one that we go to. I think Step 4 is going to suit him. I think he's going to really shine in Step 4 and kick on even more.

“I’m delighted that we’ve got Darryl on board for next season and delighted for the fans as well because when he plays he's a special talent and he's a joy to watch – so we'll look forward to having him next season.”