Surbiton will face league leaders Cannock in the semi-finals of the English Hockey Cup at Reading on March 31.

But the Long Ditton-based Premier Division side made hard work of beating National First Division promotion hopefuls Havant 3-2 on Sunday.

Matt Daly, who converted the first of four penalty corners, and James Tindall twice put Surbiton ahead, but Havant equalised through Steve Batten and Calum Giles, with his 18th penalty corner goal in 15 league games.

Crucially, Surbiton keeper Edd Yates then made a flying save from Giles's second penalty corner.

With 10 minutes remaining, James Wallis found Ben Marsden, whose cross was so well-placed that Daly just had to touch it over the line.

Surbiton's task was eased by Havant having two players sent off for five of the last eight minutes.

The previous day Surbiton's poor league form continued with a 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Canterbury.

Daly scored from Surbiton's second penalty corner in the 26th minute, only for Canterbury's Matt Harper to equalise after the interval.

Tindall shot Surbiton back into the lead six minutes from the end after Daly's penalty corner attempt rebounded off the keeper's pads.

The game finished in a blaze of controversy.

A minute from time, with former Surbiton player Ed Butcher yellow-carded, Canterbury equalised as Dan Laslett fired home a penalty corner.

Rob Moore's strong protests that Surbiton were not ready brought him a yellow card to leave Surbiton a player light, with Butcher returning.

In the dying seconds, several players were involved in a flare-up and Surbiton were awarded a penalty corner.

But their routine failed and the final whistle was blown immediately afterwards.

This Saturday at Sugden Road (2pm), Surbiton have a semi-final preview against current champions and league leaders Cannock, who beat them 3-2 in the reverse fixture in December.