Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson was delighted with his side’s performance after they beat Erith Town 3-0 in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy.

Goals from Adam Liddle, Darryl Sanders and Owen Dean saw Farnham safely through to the next round.

“I thought we controlled the game right from the start,” said Johnson. “It was fairly comfortable. It’s a shame we didn't rack up a few more goals but I’m proud of the boys.

“The first goal was coming – we could have had a couple before that. The second goal was a great finish. If we get the first one we go and hunt the second one really quickly – we're doing that well at the minute.

“We were happy with them at half-time. We were a little bit frustrated with the final ball – we were trying to rush things. It's easy to switch off with how in control we were in the game, but we set standards and we needed to up the quality in the second half. I thought the boys did that really well.

“Jack Dean was solid all game and caused them all sorts of problems in the first half. He started the second half on the front foot and deservedly won the penalty. Owen put it away well. He's confident – he wants the penalties.

“The boys that came off the bench were good. They were a threat and we didn't stop until the final whistle.”

Sam De St Croix made his Farnham debut against Erith after joining the club from Southern League Premier South outfit Hungerford Town, and Johnson was pleased with the attacking midfielder’s efforts.

“I’m really happy – I thought he did really well,” said Johnson. “He could have come away with a hat-trick in the first half. He kept the ball really well. He's fitted in straight away.”

Farnham have also confirmed the signing of midfielder Richie Mbele from Isthmian League South East Division outfit Merstham. Mbele was previously at Farnham in the 2022-23 season, and Johnson is delighted to have him back on board.

“I’m really pleased to have Richie back in,” said Johnson. “Competition is good – we're in a good place.”