The Reds reached the Portsmouth & District FA Senior Cup final last night with a penalty shoot-out victory over Fleetlands at Cams Alders, following a 0-0 stalemate.
Deacon pulled off two spot-kick saves as Fareham booked a Fratton Park date with Wessex League champions Horndean on May 16.
First, he saved Fareham’s fifth penalty from Jamie Winter, who would have sent Fleetlands through to the final had he scored.
Then, in sudden death, he dived to his left to keep out Jamie Wrapson’s effort, the Reds winning 6-5.
Fleetlands keeper Ollie Carroll had made the first save of the shoot-out, keeping out Ronan Galloway’s effort. George Gregory then put the Coptermen 3-2 ahead - but Deacon’s double stop kickstarted Reds celebrations.
It was Fareham’s fifth penalty shoot-out this season, and their second successive win on spot-kicks in the PSC. In the quarter-final they had knocked out holders Gosport, again after a 0-0 draw at Cams Alders.
They lost the other three - to Bradford Town (FA Vase), Colden Common (Russell Cotes Cup) and Petersfield Town (Wessex League Cup).
Horndean defeated AFC Portchester 2-0 in the other semi-final last night with goals from Connor Duffin and Rudi Blankson.

5. Fareham keeper Luke Deacon
Fareham keeper Luke Deacon. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER

6. Luke Deacon can't stop this Fleetlands penalty
Luke Deacon can't stop this Fleetlands penalty. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER

7. Fareham on the attack against Fleetlands
Fareham on the attack against Fleetlands. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER

8. Fareham (red) v Fleetlands
Fareham (red) v Fleetlands. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER

