Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson praised his side after they won 1-0 at Colliers Wood United in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday afternoon to extend their winning start in the league this season to 23 matches.

Town were made to work hard for their win by the league’s basement boys, but Harry Cooksley’s 85th-minute strike gave the visitors the three points.

Second-placed Knaphill lost 2-0 at home to Jersey Bulls on Saturday, and Farnham took full advantage to move 15 points clear at the top of the league – with three games in hand over their closest rivals.

“The goal felt like it was coming,” said Johnson.

“We had Colliers Wood pinned back and the pressure was building.

“There were a couple of good results elsewhere and we took advantage of that.”

Saturday’s win followed an impressive 2-0 victory for Farnham at Epson & Ewell in the Combined Counties Premier Division South last Tuesday night (February 13).

The result saw Farnham break AFC Wimbledon’s 21-game winning start to a season in the Combined Counties – a record which was set back in the 2003-04 season.

Dean Rule gave the visitors an early lead when he fired home at the near post in the seventh minute.

Adam Liddle sealed the three points when he made it 2-0 on 26 minutes.

Darryl Sanders’ clipped ball over the top found Liddle, who expertly lobbed the ball over home keeper Toby Colwell.

“For the first 30 to 35 minutes we were really good,” said Johnson.

“We weren’t as good in the second half, but we still created plenty of chances.

“We actually created more chances in the second half without playing as well – which was a bit strange.”

Tuesday’s win was marred by Farnham picking up a couple of injuries, with Sanders going off with a knee injury and Brandon Kalu going off with a hamstring injury.

“Darryl is getting a scan on his knee this week, so we’ll know more then,” said Johnson.

“Brandon is going to be out for a little while with his hamstring.”

Next up for Farnham is a home game against local rivals Fleet Town in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Town will then host Jersey Bulls at The Memorial Ground in the league next Tuesday night (February 27).

“It should be a good game against Fleet on Saturday – it’s a derby so it has that extra edge,” said Johnson.

“Hopefully we’ll have another good home crowd again.

“It’s a cliche but we’re taking things one game at a time.

“We want to keep getting the wins and get the league won – then we’ll see where we are and think about records.”