Football took second place at Oaklands Park last Saturday as Farnham Town’s trip to Chichester City in the FA Trophy third qualifying round became a tribute to Chichester striker Billy Vigar.

Vigar died after his head hit a wall surrounding the pitch in a match at Wingate & Finchley on September 20, prompting a nationwide review of the safety of such barriers for players.

The captains of both sides, Chichester’s Rob Hutchings and Farnham’s Ryan Kinnane, carried wreaths on to the pitch, where Vigar’s number nine shirt was displayed.

Chichester’s players wore T-shirts bearing a picture of Vigar, and the two teams led a minute’s applause for him. It was Chichester’s first game since his death.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute when Ethan Prichard beat Farnham keeper Zaki Oualah at his near post.

Five minutes later Farnham equalised, Ogo Obi capitalising on Hutchings’ misplaced back-header to tuck the ball beyond Chichester keeper Kieran Magee.

Brandon Mason put Farnham in front on the stroke of half-time, cutting inside to find the net with a firm hit from long range.

Chichester made it 2-2 just two minutes after the break, Prichard curling in an amazing free kick after Isaac Bello was fouled.

Farnham went ahead again with 17 minutes to go, Obi grabbing his second with a neat finish into the corner.

In the dying minutes Harry Cooksley made it 4-2 to Farnham from close range. A penalty was then awarded for a foul on Obi, but Magee dived full length to his right to deny Obi his hat-trick from the spot.

Farnham manager Paul Johnson said: “It was a strange afternoon with everything that has gone on with Chichester and Billy. The game was not really about the football but we came through it and we’re through to the next round.”