FARNHAM TOWN conceded a late goal as they lost 2-1 at home to Sheerwater in the Combined Counties Premier Division South on Saturday.

Farnham began the match brightly and deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes when Arsen Ujkaj turned home a fizzing cross from Owen Dean.

However, things had already begun to go wrong.

Shortly before the hosts had taken the lead, full back Max Meaton had suffered a hamstring injury, requiring him to be replaced by Joe Sowden who, in turn, was forced to play out of position at right back.

Slowly Sheerwater began to take the initiative and Farnham were fortunate to retain their lead at half time after goalkeeper Gary Ross had palmed a Sheerwater corner into his own net, only for the referee to disallow the goal.

Despite the best efforts of Josh Ogunseye, who frequently cut in from the right to trouble the Sheerwater defenders with his left-foot shots, Farnham did little to trouble Sheerwater in the second half, with Max Blackmore starved of any real opportunity to extend his scoring streak.

With Sheerwater now in the ascendancy, it was no surprise when they finally breeched an increasingly shaky Farnham back four to set up Anthony Ogbanufe to score their equaliser through a smart shot on 53 minutes.

It was now a question of whether or not the home side could hold on for a point.

The answer came in the 86th minute when a neat back heel set up Ogbanufe to score his second for the visitors.

Farnham Town exited the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup on Tuesday night as they lost a penalty shoot-out against Combined Counties Premier Division North league leaders Hanworth Villa.

The match finished 1-1, with the home side then winning 8-7 on penalties.

Josh Ogunseye had given Farnham the lead, but the home side equalised just before half time.

Manager Tony Reid said: “We played well for 45 minutes, but we need to do it for the full 90 minutes.

“We had five players out and gave some youngsters a chance and they did well.

“James Batchelor came up from the under-23s and took his chance. He was composed on the ball.

“I’ve worked with young players before and I want them to put pressure on the others.”

Farnham return to Combined Counties Premier Division South action tomorrow (Saturday), with a trip to league leaders Beckenham Town (3pm).

Reid knows it will be a tough game for his side, but expects Town to give a good account of themselves.

“We raise our game against the top teams,” said Reid.

“I’ve no doubt we can do that again, but we need to reach those levels more often.”

Farnham will also be in action next Tuesday night (February 15), when they will host Hartley Wintney in the Aldershot Senior Cup (7.45pm).