FAWLEY AFC are not renowned for their cup runs.

In fact chairman Kevin Mitchell jokes that they should be backed by a well-known tea manufacturer.

“We’re trying to get Tetley on board as a sponsor because we usually stay in the cup about as long as a tea bag!” he smiled.

This year is different, however.

Against all the odds, the Oilers, sitting mid-table in Division One, have reached the final of the Sydenhams Wessex League Cup, knocking out a trio of Premier sides along the way.

Another top flight big gun awaits them on Saturday when they travel to face AFC Portchester at the Blanchard Wells Stadium (3pm) for arguably the biggest match of their recent history.

Amazingly Fawley marched through to the semi-finals without winning a single tie in 90 minutes. After being awarded a walkover against East Cowes Vics due to floodlight problems, they came triumphantly through three successive penalty shootouts against Shaftesbury, AFC Stoneham and Hamble Club.

But if anyone was questioning their presence in the last four, they set the doubters straight by eliminating cup holders Sholing 2-1 on a magical night at Long Lane.

Reaching the final is an achievement for any second tier club, let alone one that has gone through the trials and tribulations Fawley have experienced since the sudden closure of the Waterside Sports & Social Club in December 2016.

But the football club, along with the cricket, tennis and bowls sections, fought to keep local sport alive and, since February last year, have been operating as the Holbury Community Sports Association on the Esso-owned premises.

“Everyone was determined to make sure it continued and, for all the negatives, it has brought a lot of positives too,” said Mitchell. "We’ve got a bigger committee than before and I also believe we’ve got one of the best squads we’ve had in recent years.

“We’ve got two local managers, Scott Johnston and Lee Shepherd, running the team and they’ve done wonders.

“The togetherness of the squad is as good as it’s ever been and that’s been shown over the last week when we’ve played four league games in six days and won them all, including a 2-0 result against Tadley who are getting promoted.

“We’re the underdogs for the Cup final – even more so with Portchester having home advantage – but just getting there is an amazing achievement. It’s been a long haul and being in the final, whatever the result, means we’re getting something back for all the hard work we’ve put in.”

As always, the Oilers have been cursed by injury problems with Chris Lucas (broken leg) and Kieran Roche (twisted knee) out long-term and midfielder/defender Dan Sayce unlikely to play tomorrow. On the plus side, club stalwart Elliot Earl is just back from a broken toe.