Farnborough Hope To Channel Play-Off Agony In Best Way

The Hampshire club came from nowhere in the final few months to give everyone something to think about in the National League South.

Seven wins in their final nine games gave them genuine hope of the play-offs but things unravelled as they lost at home to doomed Taunton Town.

Coach Baker, the former Slough Town joint manager who worked with lifelong friend Jon Underwood, thinks they are stronger this time around.

It was a solid start at Chippenham with a 2-1 opening day win on Saturday and he says everyone can’t wait for the visit from Torquay United this weekend.

He told the National League: “We’re pleased with the start, any win on the opening day away from home is satisfying.

“We perhaps weren’t at our best but wherever you go in this league you know you’re in for a game. It’s great to get a three-point start.

“We fell just short last year after an incredible late run. What really did us was losing at home to Taunton late on after we had put ourselves in reach of it. It was agony, but we did so well.

“Nobody would have fancied playing Farnborough in the play-offs, that’s for sure. But we have to channel that disappointment the right way and I think having another go is what we’re all hoping for.”

He knows the importance of two-goal hero Ricky Holmes, the 37-year-old shows he still has the legs as well as the match-winning class.

“He really did roll back the years,” Baker said. “He’s just fantastic and his first goal was sensational.

“He’s on our coaching staff too and he is going to be a fantastic manager, you can just tell with some players than that’s the logistical next step.

“But for now he needs to keep doing what he is doing. Ricky is still a fantastic player.”