BLACKFIELD & Langley will have to learn to take their chances if they are to get through tonight’s Sydenhams Wessex League Cup semi-final against AFC Portchester at Fareham Town (7.45pm).

Blackfield warmed up for the tie with a 1-1 Waterside derby draw against Fawley AFC on Saturday and, once again, manager John Robson cut a frustrated figure after the game.

The Gang Warily hosts struck early with fit-again wideman Danny Young scoring in the ninth minute.

It stayed that way until the very last knockings when Oilers sub Dylan Knight prised the visitors a late point.

“We had the majority of the game but, once again, we didn’t put the nail in the coffin,” sighed Robson. “We made chances and we missed them and then we were caught by a late goal.

“The ball went beyond Gibbo (defender Kevin Gibbens) and their lad had a bit more pace than he did and tucked it into the corner.

“There were two minutes of stoppage time and we got at them again, but we were made to pay for not converting our chances. We’ve chucked two points away.”

With Portchester having lost just once since Christmas, Blackfield will need to be at their best tonight to prevent an all-Portsmouth area final.

Last year’s Cup runners-up Petersfield Town are already through, having seen off Bemerton Heath Harlequins 4-2 at Alresford last week.

“It won’t be an easy game. Portchester have had some very good results lately,” said Robson.

“We’ve got Joey Byrne and Danny Young fit again now, but Richard Jackson is still out and Liam Green is getting over a bad hamstring.”

Dual-signed Poole Town frontman Dan Munday – described by Robson as “our fox in the box” – missed Saturday’s game to celebrate his 21st birthday, but is expected back this evening.

Prior to tonight’s tie, Robson will be dropping in at Southampton General Hospital to visit former Blackfield midfielder Dave Ewen who has undergone open heart surgery after collapsing last week.

Ewen played a key part in helping B&L to the Sydenhams Premier title two seasons ago and played 14 games for the Watersiders at the start of this term.