BOSS Ollie Cherrett has highlighted Christchurch's most important fixture of the midweek schedule – and it doesn't involve his side.

Priory host Southern League Petersfield in the Russell-Cotes Cup tonight (7.45pm) but Cherrett admits taking in Portland's Wessex One clash with Downton last night, two teams Christchurch face in the league during the next fortnight, is of greater importance.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "The Russell-Cotes Cup is a luxury competition. For the players, the experience of playing opponents from a higher level will be great but for Chris (Hart, assistant manager) and I the league is very much the priority.

"With the results we have had recently and the really tough four or five weeks we have ahead of us, there was an opportunity to look at our rivals to try to gain some insight. It is important for us to be in touch going into the last four weeks of the season and make sure it is in our hands.

"Don't get me wrong, we are looking forward to our game, it is nice to go into it without the pressure of having to win but we have to be realistic, they are a good side and we are very much focused on Ringwood on Saturday which will be far more important."

Defenders Colin Dand and Matt Swindlehurst miss out due to work commitments but Grant Cormack, dual registered with Merley will be available. Cormack will continue to prioritise Merley's Saturday fixtures but may be available for Prior in midweek.