ABBEY RANGERS 1, FARNHAM TN 1

AFTER their 8-2 romp against Bagshot in a bizarre midweek cup match, Farnham were again hit by the ‘late goal curse’ on their return to league action on Saturday.

Hoping to continue their recent improved form in the Combined Counties Premier League, Farnham took the lead against Abbey Rangers with a superb Sharif Yacoob goal on 70 minutes.

Three precious away points seemed to be in the bag as the clock ticked down, only for Brad Sweeney to pop up with Rangers’ equaliser in the 88th minute.

Free-flowing football was at a premium on a wet and windy day in Addlestone. The pitch was boggy and the first half was a dour affair, with Matt Glass spurning Farnham’s best chance as Abbey keeper Liam Stone saved in a one-on-one situation.

Apart from that, neither keeper was truly tested and the teams were locked together 0-0 at the break.

The game became a little more stretched in the second half as, to their credit, both teams made light of the conditions. All too often, though, the final ball was found wanting.

Midway through the half, however, a delightful through-ball from midfield found Yacoob making a great run behind the home defence and he lifted an exquisite chip over the oncoming Stone into the back of the net.

Twenty minutes were left for Farnham to protect their lead, but the goal seemed to re-energise Abbey and the visitors found themselves having to defend deeper and deeper.

Town defended valiantly and limited Rangers to few decent chances, but as the minutes ticked away, the travelling supporters started to get that feeling so familiar this season – that one good late chance would come the opposition’s way.

And so it proved. A cross from the left spelled danger and the ball eventually found its way to Sweeney who had ample space to score from close range. There was more than a hint of offside, but Town’s protests were waved away by referee Luis Nunes who had an excellent game.

Yet another late goal was heartbreaking for Farnham, but some comfort can be taken in that after a long, dismal run, they are now unbeaten in three league and cup games.

Confidence seems to be returning and Paul Tanner’s side now have a run of eminently winnable games. Town were at Balham in midweek and they have no game this Saturday. They play Chertsey away on February 10.