FARNHAM TN 1, WESTFIELD 2

WESTFIELD, the Combined Counties Premier Leage leaders, had to come from behind to beat struggling Farnham in a gritty tussle at the Memorial Ground.

The referee booked eight players, including five visitors, during a bruising encounter in front of a fair-sized crowd.

Farnham supporters were dreaming of a shock win to end a dismal winless run of nine matches when a goal from Pascal Thornton put the home side in front.

But Town were eventually worn down by a Westfield side who had lost just twice in 21 matches.

A brace of goals from Max Blackmore eventually settled the result. Both were set up by skipper Shaun Elliott who was outstanding in Westfield’s defence.

Farnham gave a fighting display, but their day ended badly with a straight red card for substitute Sam Slater.

Westfield top the table by three points, with games in hand on the teams around them.

Farnham, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, are away to Horley Town this Saturday.

Town manager Paul Tanner has been watching other games since before Christmas and hopes to bring in new players as his players strive to find form and confidence.

Farnham: Giles, Flynn, Smith, Spiers, Stepney, Staines, Dillon, Meaton, Peck, Yacoob, Thornton. Subs: Morton, Bath, Slater, Cox, Hall.

• Farnham were dumped out of the Surrey Senior Cup on Tuesday, Bostik Premier League side Met Police winning the second-round match 3-0 at the Memorial Ground.