Vanarama National League South | Match Report by Dan Finill
The Tudors faced a tough challenge on the road as they fell 2-1 to Farnborough as the hosts recorded their first home win of the season. The pre-match preparations weren't ideal, as goalkeeper Craig King had to withdraw late on with illness, meaning U18's goalkeeper James Taylor made his senior debut.
With the game being streamed on National League TV for the first time this season, it was Hemel Hempstead Town's Josh Williams that nearly put The Tudors ahead early on but he hit the post from outside the box in the 11th minute.
The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute when former Tudor Reggie Young delivered an exceptional cross to the back post. Alfie Pavey was in the place he is most dangerous and met the cross with a header that beat James Taylor in Hemel Hempstead Town's goal.
Pavey almost doubled The Yellows' lead in the 43rd minute, heading the ball over the goal from a similar position. The Tudors had failed to find the same rhythm that had seen them take six points from the first two games of the season. As the first half clock edged towards 45 minutes, The Tudors responded just before halftime as Arj Krasniqi fired a rocket of a shot into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards, leaving Farnborough keeper with no chance.
The Tudors started the second half brightly with Reece Grant having an excellent opportunity to put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute, but his header went over Jack Turner's goal.
Farnborough's first significant chance in the second half arrived in the 69th minute. Ricky Holmes and Selim Saied executed a delightful one-two on the edge of The Tudors box. Saied passed the ball into Holmes, who attempted to curl it into the far corner. However, James Taylor made a crucial save, parrying the shot behind for a corner.
The match-winning moment occurred in the 76th minute when Selim Saied delivered a cross into the box that was met by Connor Cullen's headed effort. Taylor in Hemel Hempstead Town's goal managed to get a hand to the shot but couldn't prevent it from finding the net, giving Farnborough the lead.
The Tudors huffed and puffed and struggled to create any significant chances, meaning Farnborough secured a valuable three points to record their first three points of the season.
Next up for The Tudors is a home match Vs Weymouth this coming Saturday
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