Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson praised his side’s patience after they won 2-0 at Alton on bank holiday Monday to claim the A31 derby bragging rights.
After a goalless first half, Harry Cooksley opened the scoring for Farnham in the 56th minute when he drilled his shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Town sealed the three points on 90 minutes, when Dean Rule cut the ball back for Charlie Postance to tap home.
“We lacked a little bit of quality in the final third – especially out wide from crosses – but we just had to be patient and not get frustrated,” said Johnson.
“I think staying patient could be a theme for the season. The first time we opened it up on the edge of the box we dispatched it.
“Harry struck it well – the way he strikes the ball is nice to watch and he struck it so sweetly.
“Two substitutes combined for the second – the substitutes are massive for us. None of them sulk – they get on with it, come on and make an impact.
“It was a comfortable day. I thought they were going to rough us up a bit like they did last year, but they tended to sit back and I don’t really remember them doing anything apart from having a couple of corners.
“We didn’t really create anything in the first half, but we stayed patient and overall I’m happy. We’re in a good place.”
The win came at a cost for Farnham, with Lewis Flatman limping off in the second half.
“Lewis doesn’t look good – it looks like he could be sidelined for a little while,” said Johnson.
“Darryl Sanders pulled up at the end with a groin, so it’s been a costly day. That’s why we’ve got a squad, though. It’s going to leave us a little bit light on numbers, but I don’t want to be bringing anyone in – we’re happy with what we’ve got. Hopefully the injuries are not too long term.”