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.
9. Fareham (red) v Fleetlands
Fareham (red) v Fleetlands. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER
10. Former Reds boss Pete Stiles, right, presents Ash Tattersall with a special trophy after he recently set a new club record of 429 outfield appearances for the Creeksiders.
Former Reds boss Pete Stiles, right, presents Ash Tattersall with a special trophy after he recently set a new club record of 429 outfield appearances. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER
11. Fareham (red) v Fleetlands
Fareham (red) v Fleetlands. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER
12. Fareham's Kieran Clark all smiles after the game
Fareham's Kieran Clark all smiles after the game. Picture by Ken Walker Photo: Ken WALKER