Rawlings at it again for Fareham

But the stalemate saw Ben Barnes’ side drop to fifth in the league table, following wins for Exeter and Birmingham.

The Henry Cort outfit showed no signs of the fragility on display in their 5-1 defeat at the hands of the west Londoners back in September, though, which was their heaviest defeat of the season.

That defeat was part of a six-game winless streak at the start of the campaign.

But they’ve come a long way since then, remaining unbeaten on home soil since September.

On Saturday, Fareham went ahead on the stroke of half-time through Jamie Rawlings, following a penalty corner.

It was Rawlings’ third goal in as many appearances this season.

However, they couldn’t hold on to their lead and were pegged back through Indian Gymkhana captain Kinde Hanspal, with the goal coming courtesy of a penalty corner.

Barnes was content with his team’s performance, although noted their sloppiness going forward.

‘Unfortunately, we weren’t at our best,’ he said.

‘For the first 15 minutes we were completely dominant and then we got the goal on the stroke of half-time – that was crucial.

‘The second half was a much scrappier affair, but we should have won the game. We created enough chances but we weren’t accurate enough.’

A win against already-promoted Cardiff & Mets on Saturday will give Fareham their highest-ever points total – something Barnes is delighted with.

‘We’ve come a long way, we’re a lot more competitive now and playing with a good intensity,’ he added.

‘We’re being deadly in front of goal more often as well.

‘It would be good to finish the season with a win, but they’re tough opposition.

‘We beat Birmingham both home and away and they’re a really tough team, so I’m feeling confident.’