BOSS Graham Kemp is playing down the significance of Christchurch’s eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table showdown with leaders Bemerton Heath tonight (7.45pm).

Second-placed Priory host Harlequins at Hurn Bridge bidding to register a ninth successive win in all competitions and topple the Wiltshire outfit from top spot.

However, while Christchurch’s title credentials will face a stern test in their next two games – they visit fellow high-fliers Winchester City a week tomorrow – Kemp is keen to keep things in perspective.

Kemp said: “The next couple of games will certainly be a test of how good we are but they won’t define our season because that doesn’t happen in the first week of October.

“We have put ourselves in a nice position at this stage of the season but it is early days. Some teams have been concentrating on the cups and we have just managed to get some points on the board early.

“Having said that, we are the form team and Bemerton and Winchester will be equally aware of us as we are of them and this is probably the first time that has happened.”

Kemp, whose team trail Bemerton by two points but have three games in hand on them, is also hoping Christchurch will draw a bumper gate to Hurn Bridge for their Friday night experience.

He added: “It would be great to see the local neutrals offer their support to Christchurch. It has been a long time since the club had a chance to win a match and go top of the league.”

Midfielder Adam Costello returns after missing the midweek win at Laverstock & Ford, while Paul Roberts is a minor doubt due to injury.

Priory: (from) Kearn, Grace, Legg, Crutchley, Brian, Burt, M Smith, Roberts, Fairbrother, Osborne, Griffin, Kittle, C Smith, Burden, Swann, Dand, Costello.

• Boss Wayne Lockey has re-signed Paul Burnett and Pete Clark in a bid to help boost Ringwood Town’s attempt to pull clear of the Division One basement.

The pair could make their ‘second’ debuts for the club when Ringwood host Warminster at the Canotec Stadium (3pm).

Lockey, who also welcomes back Josh Brown, said: “We had a morale-boosting win in a friendly on Tuesday and the attitude and commitment from the players was superb. We need to turn that into positive league performances now.”

Ringwood: (from) Taylor, Marks, Osman, Hetherington, Pierson, Tyler, Labedzki, Eley, Brown, Morrell, Midson, Leighton, Ings, Hawkins, Lovelle, Burnett, Clark, Brown.

• Verwood Town visit Blandford United in the Dorset Senior Cup.