A FRATTON Park final would be an unexpected but welcome ending to the season Petersfield Town have had to endure.

It was mathematically confirmed at the weekend that the Rams cannot escape the bottom two places in the Southern League Division 1 Central following their 1-0 defeat at home to Aylesbury.

But despite everything that has happened to the club so far this campaign, Petersfield have worked their way through to the semi finals stage of the Portsmouth Senior Cup and now all that stands between them and a place in the final is tonight’s game against Moneyfields at Love Lane.

While the league has brought Petersfield only nine points all season and only two victories, the Rams have moved through the rounds of this cup competition in relative comfort.

Rams chairman Graeme Moir is not expecting another comfortable evening ahead but with little pressure on Petersfield going into the match that may help the home side.

“It feels like a strange game in so many ways for us,” said Moir. “Despite being at home and having a higher league status than our visitors, Moneyfields will start the game as favourites to go through.

“The favourites tag is one they fully deserve – they are a strong side and they are leading the way in the Wessex Premier Division.

“The pressure is off our lads. Very few people will be coming to the game thinking we can win it so the expectation levels will be with Moneyfields – most people expect them to come to Petersfield with a strong team and win comfortably.

“They have pressures of their own to deal with. They are chasing the Wessex Premier Division title and promotion – they may see the cup as a distraction or they may welcome this extra game.

“That’s for them to look at though. All we can do is worry about our own game and look to go out and get the result we need to go through to face Havant and Waterlooville in the final.

“We showed improvement on Saturday against Aylesbury – we just need to put together a full performance for 90 minutes and if we can do that and get the right result, then we will have a cup final to look forward to in May.

“I’m not saying we deserve that because of the season we have had but it would give people at Love Lane a lift if we could book a night out at Fratton Park for everyone associated with the club to enjoy.”