Cup semi-final: ‘Difficult to prepare’ for game against unknown Navy says Hoare

Petersfield Town will be aiming to book their place in the final of the Portsmouth Senior Cup for the first time in seven years when they welcome the Royal Navy FA on Thursday Night, following a disappointing 5-1 defeat against Fareham Town on Monday night. 

National South side Havant & Waterlooville’s withdrawal from the competition, a few days after their relegation was confirmed, saw the Rams progress to the final four.

From being one of the favourites to being relegated, to avoiding the relegation battle completely, Connor Hoare’s debut season as Petersfield manager, a chance of silverware would be icing on the cake.

Whereas the RN have swept aside Hampshire Premier League sides Denmead and Paulsgrove.

But Hoare has concerned ahead of the semi-final tie – saying the game is ‘one of the most difficult games to prepare for,’ when speaking to Winol before last Saturday’s draw against Cowes Sports.

Hoare said: “I think it is probably one of the most difficult games to prepare for, to be honest. You don’t know anything about them – you don’t know the players, you have no footage – you always must go into the game just worrying about yourself.

“The results clearly speak for themselves, they’re [Royal Navy FA] are a good side. They’re obviously fit because they’re in the navy, and that is all you can predicted. With that knowledge, we are going to have to run as much as they are going to run.

“We know they are more coached than they’re – we can use that to our advantage”

Briefing on Monday’s game:

A heavily rotated Petersfield Town suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against Fareham Town on Monday night which even saw both Rams managers Hoare and Callum Glen on the pitch, rather than the dugout.

Jamie Truckell netted a first-half hat-trick as Jamie Hosking scored two free-kicks for the Creeksiders.

Jo Houldsworth scored a late consolation for Petersfield.