ADIE Arnold revealed his Christchurch players had held their hands up for the ‘embarrassing’ 7-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Fareham Town.

Fareham secured their first Sydenhams Wessex Premier win in five months as Nathan Saxby’s goal proved the slimmest of consolations.

Priory’s heavy loss followed a 4-1 defeat to Verwood Town and boss Arnold admitted this latest result had been tough to take.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was a shocking performance on Saturday and Tuesday night was even worse.

“The preparation was not ideal. Three players pulled out on the day and we got there late but that is still no excuse for a shocking display – an embarrassment to the club and an embarrassment to me.

“We had an in-depth, honest conversation after the game and the players felt responsible.

“I defend my players as much as I can but I can’t defend that performance. There were players out there who have to question whether they are good enough for Wessex Premier.

"It sounds stupid because they beat us 7-1, but Fareham were a poor side.”

Arnold, the most successful manager in Verwood’s history who exited for Christchurch last summer, admitted recent results had placed further pressure on his shoulders.

He added: “You start to question the amount of hours you put into it and what you get back and you start to think if it’s all worth it.

“We are in the results industry and of course I feel under pressure.”

Priory: Tong, Goodship, Swindlehurst (Stamp, 65), Clark, Haysom, Lovell, Morse, Cunniffe-Pilley, Glatzel (Reeves, h-t), Saxby, Banfield. Unused sub: Fawcett.

  • A late blitz saw Poppies succumb to a 5-2 home defeat against Alresford Town.

The teams were locked at 2-2 midway through the second half with Elliot Ward and Diop Evans having twice put the hosts in front.

However, Alresford struck three times in the last 16 minutes through Sam Carter, Andrew Turner and Tom Donaldson to earn three points at Victoria Park.

Poppies: Peachman, Molyneaux, Doe, Ami, Saadi, Evans (Bailey, 71), Robinson, Ward, Fairbrother, Dibigbo (Saul, 80), Pekun (Leonard, 80). Unused sub: Menkveld.

  • Lymington were beaten on penalties in the Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-final by Southern League Sholing.

Sam Roberts had put Lymo in front in the first half but a Barry Mason spot-kick levelled matters late in the second period. The visitors then prevailed 4-1 on penalties.