SHANE Sheridan further enhanced his chances of becoming New Milton’s new permanent manager after presiding over another impressive result and display against a Wessex One promotion contender.

Sheridan, who was handed the reins on a caretaker basis last month, watched Linnets put a spoke through Christchurch’s top-three ambitions in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Hurn Bridge.

And but for a little more composure in front of goal, the visitors could have headed back across the county border with all three points having had the better of an enthralling contest.

As it turned out, New Milton claimed a deserved share of the spoils thanks to two second-half own goals, the first of which from Chris Senior would have graced a Christmas bloopers DVD.

Earlier, Senior’s header and Luke Stone’s close-range effort had given Priory a 2-0 lead against the run of play, their advantage halved on the stroke of half-time by the lively Dom Falco.

Senior inadvertently levelled when he lobbed Ant Harris’s hopeful through ball into his own net eight minutes into the second half before Stone bagged the goal of the game to restore Christchurch’s lead.

However, although the striker’s majestic finish following a superb team move put the hosts back in front, Linnets were rewarded for their efforts when debutant Sam Buckler turned Falco’s cross past his own goalkeeper after 68 minutes.

Both teams had chances to win it in the final 20 minutes – with Priory having a goal controversially disallowed – although New Milton would argue the scoreline probably flattered the hosts.

Sheridan, who has also seen Linnets take points off Shaftesbury and Baffins since he took the reins, said: “I was delighted. I probably would have taken a point before the game but felt we were on top for most of it.

“We had a lot of clear-cut chances so I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get the three points. But, at the same time, I’ve had four games, three of them against the top four, and we’re unbeaten so I’m happy with that.

“I still think Christchurch will sneak into the top three. It’s going to be close and there are four teams going for the top three. But I think they’ve got enough in their side to do it.

“It’s a shame I have only just taken over because I’d like to think we would be up there as well if I had come in sooner. You want to see local teams get promoted.”

Priory: Frampton, Sands, Legg, Senior, Buckler, Cullen, Cooper (Gage, 89), Wrixton (Thompson, 83), Stone, Cormack, Butler (Rattue, 52). Unused subs: Cole, Masson.

Linnets: Burgess, Molyneux, Finch, Mould, Texceira (Barber, 67), Maddocks, Harris, Gill (Saunders, 37), Louka (Balmer, 60), Flynn, Falco. Unused subs: Baker, Isaac.