FARNHAM TN 2, CHERTSEY TN 3

THE result was in doubt right up to the final whistle, but the bottom line for Farnham was a fourth defeat in six Combined Counties Premier League matches.

On a hot sunny afternoon at the Memorial Ground, Farnham made the brighter start. Matt Glass had a shot blocked on the line by Steve Newman and Ashley Peck tested keeper Jack Gannon from distance.

And Farnham deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes when Jordan Stepney beat Gannon to a cross and nudged the ball into the corner.

Glass then hit the foot of the post with an angled lob, but the action moved swiftly to the other end and Bukele Mukudi rounded Adrian Giles to equalise for Chertsey.

The visitors edged in front on the half-hour as Marcus Mealing curled the ball into the far corner for a fine goal.

Two minutes after half-time, Farnham found themselves 3-1 down when Newman escaped down the right and his cross was headed home by Mukudi.

Back came the home side and an unmarked Glass chipped the ball straight into Gannon’s hands. With Chertsey being forced to defend deeper, Gannon saved well from Max Meaton and then clawed away a looping header by Stepney.

Farnham’s pressure finally told in the 82nd minute and a bullet header from Sam Slater set up a tense finish. Farnham threw everything at their opponents, but the defence held firm and Chertsey came away with the points.

Farnham play a rare Sunday fixture this weekend when they visit Ascot United in the FA Vase first qualifying round.