FARNHAM TN 2, LYMINGTON TN 0

LYMINGTON shot themselves in the foot by having three men sent off, but Farnham were already two goals up before the first red card and deserved their passage into the second round of the FA Vase for an exceptional first-half display.

Farnham even missed two penalties in an eventful cup-tie on a very windy day.

The New Forest side have faltered after a strong start to the Sydenhams League season, but were still seventh in the Premier Division.

The Memorial Ground pitch is in much better condition than in recent seasons and Lymington, although imposing in strength and physicality, seemed taken aback as Farnham kept the ball on the deck and moved it around at high speed.

After just 10 minutes, Jack Dillon picked the ball up on halfway and ran diagonally towards the penalty area. Eluding several tackles, he came out the other side and slotted neatly past the keeper to give Farnham the perfect start.

It inspired Farnham to keep moving forward, leading to a corner, and in a well-rehearsed move, Ashley Peck delivered the ball in the right area for Doug Ford to head neatly home at the far post.

On the half-hour, Lymington lost their first man for foul and abusive language directed at the referee. Peck and Elliott Cardona failed to capitalise on further openings, but Farnham were in control against their depleted opponents and deliberate handball gave them their first penalty and a second red card for the visitors whose keeper made an excellent save from Max Meaton’s spot kick.

Farnham created a flurry of chances against nine men at the start of the second half, but struggled to find the back of the net.

Then came a second penalty in this rather strange game and although Meaton showed character in stepping up, he again missed from the spot.

The game should have been well out of Lymington’s reach, but they actually gained the upper hand in the last quarter as Farnham gave away free-kicks and corners and generally let their concentration drop.

Anything could have happened in the closing stages, but then Lymington finally killed themselves off with a third sending-off for a rash high tackle and Farnham closed the game out. They had certainly looked much better playing against 11 men.

Manager Paul Tanner was happy, though. “Another great home win in a big competition puts us into the next round. I thought the players were exceptional in the first 25 minutes and, for me, that’s when the game was won.”

• Farnham’s reward is a home tie against Bridgwater Town on Saturday, November 11. The Somerset side play in the Western League, having been relegated from the Southern League last season, and are currently 13th in the Premier Division.

• Farnham host fourth-placed Horley in the league this Saturday