Farnham Town manager Paul Johnson has hailed his side’s character.

Town fought back from 2-0 down to earn a thrilling 3-2 win at home to Hayes & Yeading United in the Isthmian League South Central Division and keep their title push on track.

“I thought it was a really good game of football – especially in the first half,” said Johnson.

“Hayes sucker-punched us twice.

“I thought we started quite well and then we had a dodgy five to ten minutes after they went 2-0 up.

“We settled into the game and once we settled we looked like we were going to win the game.

“We've had so many teams come here and sit behind the ball.

“Hayes gave it a go and credit to them.

“In the second half Hayes’ antics changed – I'm not too sure what they got up to in the second half.

“They almost came up trumps with an early two-goal lead but I thought their time-wasting from the start was strange.

“We snuck it at the end.”

Farnham had got themselves back on level terms at half-time at 2-2, but Johnson admitted he had mixed emotions at the break.

“It was a strange one at half-time,” said Johnson.

“I was fuming in terms of the areas we got in – we had a few balls across the box and we had no one in there to tap balls in.

“But the character to come back from where we were was excellent and that's why we're going to be champions.

“They responded with a great attitude.”

Johnson also hailed the impact his substitutes made after they came off the bench.

“They were all a handful,” said Johnson.

“Hayes were defending for their lives – they were hanging on and kept going down with cramp.

“It wouldn't fall for our boys up top but we kept pushing and it finally dropped.

“Hayes were happy with a point and they almost saw it out but they ran out of luck.”

Joe Jackson scored Farnham’s winner in stoppage time, sparking joyful scenes of celebration, and Johnson admitted it was a good moment for his side.

“It galvanised things even more – not that we need much galvanising,” said Johnson.

“The celebrations were great and it was good to be in a tight game.

“We've got a big three points.

“That's why we're going to be champions – because we pull things out of the bag.

“We've got a comfortable lead and I think that pretty much sets it in stone now – it's just a matter of time.”