A last-minute own-goal gave Heybridge some much needed breathing space in their fight against Ryman League premier division relegation.

The match was not a great spectacle, but the grit and commitment shown by the Heybridge team earnt its reward when in the 90th minute an intelligent free kick by Ross Taylor was headed into his own net by Scott Corbett to give Swifts all three points and lift them to 11th in the table.

The match was marred by some inconsistent refereeing, Nicky Simpson being the first to suffer on seven minutes when he was booked for a wholehearted challenge.

A stream of names from both sides then went into the book, and Farnborough's Justin Gregory was shown red in the first half having already been booked and then clattering into Alex Fiddes.

Terry Warwick and Simpson looked to have the beating of the Farnborough defence but it was not to be as Swifts lacked any width and real creativity from midfield.

At the back for Swifts Ian Wiles and Mark Cranfield were both outstanding, as was captain Gary Waters, who recovered from a seemingly nasty head injury to carry on and give his usual gutsy display.

Three opportunities fell to Simpson in the second half, Fiddes crossing for him to head over, Warwick's efforts freeing him for a shot on the turn just wide, then a self-created chance sailing over.

Kevin James, on loan from Charlton, and Steve Darlington threatened for Farnborough but neither keeper had a shot to save in anger.

The late finale put a twist in the tail, the Swifts team spirit again coming to the fore and seeing the team to another hard fought win.

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