Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson was pleased with his side’s character after they scored a late winner to beat Ashford Town (Middlesex) 2-1 in the Isthmian League South Central Division on Saturday.

Harry Cooksley’s 84th-minute strike gave Town the three points at The Memorial Ground.

Johnson admitted his side weren’t at their best, but was happy to pick up another win.

“We were poor,” said Johnson. “The game was of a poor standard all round – we had so many misplaced passes and rushed everything. It wasn't us, but credit goes to Ashford and the way they played and set up.

“We got off to a perfect start with an early goal and wasted a couple of opportunities to kill the game early on.

“They (Ashford) grew into it. They were looking for throw-ins and corners to launch it in the box and they were good at it. It was a different test for us.

“On the sideline it looked like we could have a field day with how high they (Ashford) were but we couldn't string two passes together, which was a bit strange because it was the whole team. It wasn't one or two individuals – it was all round the pitch.

“Ashford were in the game right until the end, so credit to them. Our quality shone through in the end and the bits of quality in the game were from us. A bit of quality won the game, so we're happy.”

Farnham had taken an early lead through Owen Dean’s goal, but Basim Mirtahmasebi’s equaliser meant it was 1-1 at the break, and Johnson admitted he wasn’t happy at half-time.

“We weren't happy but we've got to try to manage the situation and where we're coming from,” said Johnson.

“We've got to understand that stepping up the levels we've had it all our own way. We didn't get it our own way against Ashford but we regrouped and credit to the boys.

“Two or three times we did show a bit of quality and looked like ourselves, but it wasn't for long enough periods.”

Johnson was particularly pleased that his side managed to win despite being below their best, and admitted his side will need plenty more of those wins to achieve promotion at the end of the season.

“A bit of quality won us the game and come April we may look back at this game and it could be a massive game,” said Johnson.

“We're going to need around ten of them so to get the first one is a positive sign.”