Match Report

Once more change in personnel with M Clark, Wilson, Donaghey and Johnson available and St John making a welcome return following a long injury lay off. Missing were Ellis, Miller and Beesley. There was also a no show with Fullone not putting in an appearance, despite numerous attempts to contact him.

Today Farnborough faced lower league opposition in the form a Fairfield side they had played earlier in the season. The last game ended 2-2 with Fairfield holding their nerve when it came to penalties in another cup match. Going in to this game Farnborough knew what to expect from the previous meeting...a team committed with spirit and determination. It was to be key that we competed with them all over the field and let our superior ability see us through.

The game started and it was a very even affair with both teams seemingly reluctant to take a grip on the game. Possession was changing faster than the wind direction, but then after ten minutes or so it all seemed to click and Farnborough started to get the upper hand. 50-50's were being won, 2nd balls being picked up and the passing was becoming more and more accurate. Very quickly Fairfield seemed to lose composure which resulted in a series of free kicks being awarded by the man in the middle. It was from one of these free kicks that Farnborough took the lead. An excellent delivery by Skrine was met by Benningfield who headed powerfully past the Fairfield goalkeeper. Number two wasn't too far behind. An excellent team move saw Wray through one on one with the goalkeeper, and a cool finish to the keeper's left. Other chances came and went for Farnborough but the scoreline remained 2-0 until the half.

Farnborough came out in the 2nd half and although the football wasn't as free flowing, they were never at risk of conceding. A few glimpses of good football fashioned yet more chances, although just the one was converted. Excellent hold up play from Donaghey, who swept the ball out wide to Small. Small's delivery was inch perfect and converted with aplomb by Wray who scored his second and Farnborough's third of the game. The remainder of the game was played out comfortably with the returning St John not having a save of note to make.

There were good performances all over the pitch, but it was Skrine who walked away with MOM. Skrine was continually the outlet when Farnborough were in position, and his distribution was faultless both in play and from set pieces. It says something about the impact of a player at left back when he is the most fouled player on the park...and that isn't to say the right midfielder couldn't time a tackle! Fairfield seemed to be having a go at him from all angles!

So it was back to winning ways. Lots of positives including a clean sheet. The only negatives being players turning up late and jeopardising preparations and Fullone not showing up at all. With another strong squad to choose from this week and if you want to retain your place you have to be there when picked.

The next round of the cup has come around quickly. This week we face an Eltham Town side who sit top of their league with 7 wins from 8 and who have beaten the Ex Blues in the cup earlier this season. It will be another tough encounter but one Farnborough are more than capable of winning.

Today's team: GK - J. St John, RB - J. Adams, CB - M. Wilson, CB - A. Benningfield, LB - T. Skrine, RM - S. Small, CM - P. Butler, CM - D. Clark, LM - M. Clark, CF - B. Donaghey, CF - A. Wray, sub not used R. Johnson

REMINDER - CHRISTMAS DRINK STRAIGHT AFTER THE GAME ON SUNDAY IN THE CLUB THEN ON FROM THERE...BIBAS AWAITS US!!!