BOSS Adie Arnold is hoping he can raise a finally raise a few smiles by guiding Christchurch through the FA Cup extra preliminary round.

Priory's miserable start to the season continued with a 5-1 thumping at Brockenhurst last night, their fourth consecutive Wessex League Premier Division defeat.

But with Arnold acutely aware of the financial rewards the famous competition presents, the summer appointment hopes to kick-start the campaign with victory at league rivals Alresford Town on Saturday (3pm), a success which would bank £1,500.

Arnold said: “At this level of football the FA Cup does get clubs buzzing and if we can win then it's great from a financial point of view.

“I know how difficult it is to run a club at this level. We're not a paying club and although the club does as much as it can for the players, that costs money.

“If we can get a result then the chairman will look at it as money we can reinvest.

“If you win a couple of games then you might get to go to a Southern League side, which is a great carrot to have dangling in front of you.

“Alresford have got new management and it's going to be a difficult game at their place, but we are confident in our own ability.”

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, there is a derby clash between Wessex rivals Bournemouth Poppies and Verwood Town at Victoria Park.

Potters will go into the tie with renewed confidence after bouncing back from two heavy defeats with last night's 1-0 league win at Fawley.

Hamworthy United also face a familiar foe with a tough trip to Newport (IOW), while Lymington Town take on Wessex title favourites Winchester City (all 3pm).

In Wessex One, Ringwood Town host Andover New Street (3pm). New Milton Town are without a fixture.