Fareham allowed a two-goal first-half lead to slip from their grasp as NOW: Pensions Western Conference rivals Cheltenham rallied to win 3-2.

When Daniel Sampey and Danny Rawlings struck twice in 90 first half seconds, Fareham looked set to build on the previous week’s 4-1 win at Guildford.

But then it all went wrong.

“We got ourselves in a good position to win the game, but once again, we gave the ball away far too cheaply,” moaned coach Ben Barnes.

Fareham certainly made a stirring start, with Western Australian Daniel Sampey scoring on debut and Danny Rawlings doubling the lead in the very next attack.

Sampey, hockey coach at Trinity College alongside the WACA in Perth, plays State hockey for WA and is expected to be with Fareham for the remainder of the season.

With the Australian on board, Fareham continued to create good chances, but they presented chances to Cheltenham, whose opening goal by William Millar just before half-time proved a pivotal point of the game.

Fareham’s giveaway possession continued to prove costly as Sam Carter and James Astley scored second half goals to turn the game in Cheltenham’s favour.

“Having taken a 2-0 nil lead our inexperience showed as we failed to kill them off and continued to push for goals and got too carried away and allowed them back in the game,” Barnes added.

Former Fareham player/coach Shaun Baker scored both goals as Western Conference leaders Team Bath won 2-1 at Birmingham University.

Another Fareham-raised player, Jonny Kinder, was on target for Premier Division Wimbledon, who beat Brooklands MU 3-2.