Two teams with unbeaten records and mean defences. Two teams more than reluctant to surrender their exceptional starts to the season. It might be imagined that the two sides have much in common but a glance through the Farnborough squad reveals a team that is full of new signings and which is almost unrecognisable from the one that just missed out on promotion last season. Key among manager Steve King’s signings has been Dean McDonald who began the game in scorching form, scoring nine goals in his eleven appearances.

On the other hand, City have punched above their weight all season, securing results against tough opposition and proving to be a difficult side to beat. With a small squad to draw on Manager Gary Roberts received good news when Lee Chaffey reported fit again after his weekend virus and was equally pleased to discover that the knock that Neil Midgley took against Tiverton wasn’t as bad as expected. With Chaffey back in defence, Steve Gentle was put on the bench, Lee Clarke and John Frendo leading the line.

The pitch had been subjected to a torrential downpour which had stretched the Farnborough grounds staff to their limits. To their credit, after three inspections referee Steve Fitts gave the go-ahead and the match began on a playable pitch that nonetheless had patches of standing water.

And what a start for City. Farnborough’s home record of three wins and draw in which just three goals had been conceded took an enormous jolt on six minutes when Frendo scored his second of the week following an almighty goalmouth scramble. Midgley’s shot was kept out but only as far as the number 7 who was on hand to knock the ball in from close range.

Not surprisingly, Farnborough were quickly on the attack, levelling three minutes later when Jake King drifted into the City box unattended, heading Simon Wormull’s cross home for the equaliser.

The Lilywhites were up for the challenge, no more so than when Adrian Cambridge’s pass found Ashley Fuller  in the clear, the winger pasting his shot wide, rather than hitting the target on 16 minutes.

Remember the standing water? One such puddle was to place its part in Farnborough’s next goal. Chaffey cleared but instead of seeing the ball progress up the field it landed dead in the water, the home team seizing on it and attacking. The cross came in and McDonald was only too pleased to make it to double figures for the season when he gave his team the lead.

City were moiré than in this game, however and very nearly levelled the score on 40 minutes when James Krause rampaged down the left, played a tidy wall pass with Midgley that eventually put in John Frendo who gave keeper Richard Barnard plenty to think about with a stinging effort.

1-2 down at half time but with everything to play for. But things didn’t look too bright for the Lilywhites when their inspirational skipper Cambridge received an ankle injury which signalled his end to the proceedings on just 49 minutes. The prospects looked bad for City as they endured a torrid spell during which Bradley Bubb spurned two clear cut chances when he shot wide from close in.

The visitors managed to steady the midfield and find a way back into the match. Gentle’s throw-in found Krause who crossed from the left. Midgley stole in between two defenders and scored a collector’s piece – a headed goal -  to level the scores.

Back in the game, City appeared to have weathered the worst of the storm, when Fuller was adjudged to have committed a foul on the left in a dangerous position. The cross came in and there was James Smith to turn the ball into the net and retake the lead for the home side on 78.

Could City find an opening? The answer was a resounding yes. Fuller ran hard at the defence for 25 yards before firing across the keeper to equalise. Three goals – as many in one game by City as four previous visitors had managed between them.

A fantastic, battling result and one which keeps City’s unbeaten record in tact. Let’s hope that Saturday sees the continuation of that great form and a win at home in the FA Cup against Hinckley.