Fareham will be anxious to avoid a third successive six-goal thrashing from City of Portsmouth when they defend the Hampshire Hockey Association's Knockout Cup at HMS Temeraire on Monday.

Relegated from the South Premier League this season, Fareham suffered 6-2 and 6-3 defeats by City. But the Bath Lane has fond memories of the county cup, having edged out Havant in a dramatic penalty-flick shoot out in last season's final.

Ironically, Fareham clinched their cup final spot with another penalty stroke shootout - beating Hamble Old Boys after a 3-3 draw in normal time.

Matt McInally gave the Bath Lane club the lead before Hamble levelled through Steve Barber after a slick five-man move.

Mark Wakefield nicked the lead for Hamble at the start of the second-half only for Fareham to score through Aaron Walker and Jim Moseley.

Wakefield's equaliser took the tie to penalties - Fareham edging home 4-3 on flicks, Ian Rowlands saving a crucial stroke from Paul Barber.