Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson praised his side's first-half performance after they beat Abbey Rangers 4-1 in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Tuesday night.

The three points at The Memorial Ground moved Farnham 11 points clear of second-placed Knaphill in the league table.

The hosts were quick out of the traps and took the lead in the 14th minute when Adam Liddle turned home Dean Rule's cross.

Farnham doubled their advantage two minutes later when Shamal Edwards slid in Rule, who scored his second in two games.

Darryl Sanders made it 3-0 on 67 minutes when he intercepted a loose Abbey pass and calmly slotted home.

The visitors pulled a goal back in the 71st minute through Ross Murdoch's well-taken lofted effort over Farnham keeper Pat Nash.

Liddle netted his second of the night in stoppage time when Kai Tanner's shot fell into his path.

"I thought we were really good in the first half," said Johnson.

"There were a couple of little bits we weren't too happy with, but overall in the first half we were excellent.

"In the second half we didn't really get out of second gear.

"The games are coming thick and fast and in the back of your mind you know you're going again on Saturday and Tuesday.

"At half-time I think the boys knew the game was done and dusted – we were always going to score a couple more.

"We wanted to keep the tempo high, kill the game and keep switching the play – it was always our out.

"We did it for a little bit but then the game sort of went dead and they put a few tackles in that were a bit naughty.

"We came through it unscathed."

Johnson was particularly pleased with the performances from goalscorers Rule, Liddle and Sanders.

"Dean's been excellent the past two games, and he was again in the first half," said Johnson.

"Dean showed composure for his goal. I think he had one touch too many for his liking – he had so much time you overthink it sometimes but he stuck it away well.

"Having Adam back is a big boost for us. You see it from the front. He's hustling, he's running in channels, he's running back. As soon as they touch the ball he's on them and he's pulling people around. He's a big plus.

"Darryl picked up so many good pockets and didn't quite get enough of the ball, but he popped up with another goal and it was another solid performance from him."

Next up for Farnham is a trip to Spelthorne Sports in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday (3pm).