Fareham's reward for a 5-0 win over London Wayfarers is a plum home tie against EHA Premier League leaders Hampstead & Westminster in the third round of the EHA Cup at Henry Cort Community School on November 2.
"It's a great draw and a great experience for our youngsters to play against the club that's currently tops in the entire country," enthused Fareham coach Nigel Cook.
Fareham certainly put their faith in youth, fielding five of the Hampshire Under-17 squad against Wayfarers, who were on the back foot directly Danny Makaruk scored early on after Jim Moseley's jinking run into the D.
Fareham hit the bar and saw a searing reverse stick undercut from South African Craig Peel beaten out before calling upon their own goalkeeper, Mike Rowlands, to pull off some fine saves.
Rowlands, who will find himself a busy man against Hampstead, was at his best as Fareham withstood Wayfarers pressure before a short-corner injection by Peel created an opening for Moseley to score the second.
Fareham's last three goals came in quick succession - a Matt Szwinto penalty stroke and a late brace from Aaron Walker, who also scored (along with Makaruk) in Saturday's 6-2 defeat by Premier League rivals, Brighton & Hove.
"We were rubbish," stormed Cook. "The cup win balanced the books a bit, especially with the third round tie we've now got."
City of Portsmouth entertain Havant in the EHA Cup third round on November 2.
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