SHOLING hope to make it third time lucky in the Hampshire FA Senior Cup final tonight (7.45pm).

After a difficult Southern League season, the Boatmen have done incredibly well to reach the county’s showpiece final at Fratton Park.

But having lost two previous finals against Fleet Town (2008/09) and AFC Totton (2010/11) – both at St Mary’s – manager Dave Diaper knows Sholing will have their work cut out to reverse the trend against Alex Pike’s Gosport Borough.

Both clubs graced Wembley last season – Gosport finishing runners-up in the FA Trophy and Sholing memorably winning the FA Vase.

But following the break-up of that Vase squad, the Boatmen have had a tough time of it this term, finishing 17th in the Southern One South & West.

Gosport, in contrast, have had an exceptional campaign in the Vanarama Conference South. Sixth place was not quite enough to get them into the play-offs but, with just 40 goals conceded in as many games, Pike’s men boast the best defensive record in the division.

Borough are no slouches up front either with Justin Bennett and ex-Saint Matt Paterson banging in 56 goals between them in all competitions.

“That’s more than our entire side!” smiled Diaper.

“We’ve got it all to do tonight against a team from two leagues higher, but our players are up for it.

“The pressure is on Gosport, not us, and we’ve got to go there thinking we can win.”

Potentially the game has the added spice of two of Sholing’s Vase winners – midfielder Mike Carter and frontman Lee Wort – lining up against their old club.

“It’s an occasion to look forward to and we need to play with no fear,” said Diaper.

“We’ll have our game plan, but that could be undone in a matter of minutes against that sort of opposition.

“But we’ve done well to get this far, we’ve got a good pedigree in cup competition and the lads must go and enjoy it. Being in the final is important to our fans too.”

Skipper Byron Mason, who had a brief spell at Gosport earlier this season, is fit to lead the side out after recent Achilles problems. Defensive colossus Pete Castle is also fit to start, but full-back Sam Olaofe (groin/hamstring) is ruled out, while winger Tobi Adekunle (hamstring) will be on the bench.

Tonight’s is the first of three cup finals for Sholing in the space of a week. Their reserves face Petersfield Town in the Wyvern Challenge Cup at Winchester City FC tomorrow and next Monday (May 11) travel to Romsey Town FC for a Wyvern Shield showdown with AFC Totton.

Admission to Fratton Park is payable at the turnstiles: £10 adults, £5 over-65s/under-16s.