BOSS Michael Cuffie praised his plucky Christchurch charges for securing a hard-earned point following their lengthy lay-off.

After 66 days without a fixture, Priory held out for a point as quick-fire first-half goals from Mark Smith and Dan Blackburn sealed a 2-2 draw with Brockenhurst last night.

He said: “To be honest, we were disappointed not to score from a couple of chances at the end but I would have taken a point at the start.

“After so long without a game, you could tell some of the lads were struggling but they worked very hard to get through it. Overall I was very pleased.”

Priory name an unchanged squad for Saturday’s Wessex League Premier Division trip to Alresford Town.

Priory: (from) Field, Doe, Steer, Donachy, Baker, Blackburn, Smith, Fairbrother, Saul, Hiscock, Hanratty, Head, Cullen, Carter, Salazar, Proudley.

  • Aaron Corby (suspended) and Micky Hubbard (unavailable) miss Hamworthy United’s home clash with Moneyfields.

Bournemouth Poppies, who had tonight's trip to Fareham Town postponed, should name an unchanged squad when they host Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

In Wessex One, New Milton host Cowes Sports, while Ringwood entertain Hythe (all 3pm).

Hammers: (from) Ackerman, Biles, Hester, Brian, Haysom, Diaper, Rowe, Cole, Martin, Allen, Osborne, Sturgess, Penny, Cook, Legg, Walker, Thomas.

Poppies: (from) Vaughan, Martinez, Jackson, Burgis, Richardson, Hales, Ingram, Ward, Saadi, Owens, Robinson, Bassiriki, Pekun, Phillips, Rowley.