Fareham Town boss Jon Gittens describes tonight's Hampshire Senior Cup final as: "Probably the biggest game of my players' careers."

All he can hope for now is that nerves don't get the better of his young side in the big St Mary's showdown against Conference outfit Farnborough Town (7.30pm).

Gittens is no stranger to the big stage. The central defender made over 500 professional appearances during a career which included two stops at The Dell and one at Fratton Park.

Tonight will be only his third visit to Saints' new stadium. He has been there as Premiership spectator and as coach of Southampton Institute's team in a Varsity final.

He said: "Going back to a big stadium has no major bearing on my life, but I want my team to play to the best of their ability and enjoy it.

"The important thing is not to choke or freeze. What we've achieved in getting to the final is fantastic. We're in a no-lose situation."

Although Farnborough will start as firm favourites, Wessex League underdogs Fareham have already disposed of higher division Havant & Waterlooville and Eastleigh - and they have a slice of history on their side.

The last time they made the HSC final was back in 1993, as a Southern League side managed by Keith Miller, they ran Farnborough ragged 4-1 at The Dell.

Gittens said: "Obviously it's different personnel now, but it just goes to show that the minnows can beat the big boys.

"Our players can take that on board and think: 'Hey, it can be done.'

"We've rebuilt the squad in the last two seasons and all credit to our lads. They've achieved a fantastic amount. If we take the game to Farnborough and get in their faces, then we have the skill and enthusiasm to beat them.

"Whatever my players have done this season, they've done well and I've got nothing but praise for them."

Fareham will be without cup-tied defender Wes Chalmers and midfielder Ross Bottomley, who is suspended for his sending-off at Hamble.