CHRISTCHURCH boss Ollie Cherrett admits only a victory at second-placed Amesbury will do in tomorrow’s match of the day in Sydenhams Wessex One.

Fifth-placed Priory trail their promotion rivals by six points and give away one game in hand ahead of the crunch clash at Bonnymead Park (3pm).

The Hurn Bridge outfit, relegated from the Premier Division last season, have recovered from a patchy start to Cherrett’s tenure with six wins from eight league matches enough for a place on the coattails of the leaders.

But despite the mid-season flourish, the manager knows the hard work will count for little if they fail to reign in those gunning for the coveted second spot behind runaway leaders Portland.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think we can afford to lose and if we want to keep it in our hands, realistically we need to win it.

“It is a massive game if we want to get promoted. Portland look like they will win the league quite comfortably so we have to attack this one with confidence and expect to win.”

Goalkeeper Andy Knights is “a major doubt” for the clash having pulled up with a calf complaint during Wednesday’s 6-0 Russell-Cotes Cup defeat to Petersfield.

“I am gutted because we rested players for the cup game with an eye on this one,” added Cherrett. “We’re hoping he can make it with some treatment but it is not looking good.

“He is the best keeper in the league, anybody would miss him but he is doing everything he can to be involved.”

Dave Wrixton (groin) is also doubtful and defensive linchpin Shaun Brian misses out due to work commitments.

Hotshot Luke Stone, rested in midweek, is fit to play, while Lloyd Cole, a left-back signed from Parley, could debut.

Colin Dand, Richard Sands, Brandon Randall, Rob Woolner and Matt Swindlehurst come back into contention.

Elsewhere in Division One, New Milton Town host Totton & Eling and Ringwood Town travel to Fleet Spurs (both 3pm).

In Wednesday’s Premier Division action, Verwood Town succumbed to strikes from Jim Orvis and Martin Johnson in a 2-0 home defeat to Team Solent. Hamworthy United drew 0-0 at Whitchurch.

Tomorrow, Verwood look to get back on track with a visit to rock-bottom Folland Sports, while Hamworthy host second-placed Blackfield & Langley a month after losing 2-1 at Gang Warily.

Brockenhurst will hope to end a three-match winless run which dates back to before Christmas when they entertain fifth-placed Sholing.

Bournemouth Poppies head to struggling Whitchurch and Lymington, on a run of three straight league defeats and fresh from a penalty shoot-out exit from the Hampshire Senior Cup against Fleet Town on Tuesday, journey to Alresford (all 3pm).