BOSS Ollie Cherrett was left to rue a below par first-half showing as Christchurch were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow Wessex One high-fliers AFC Stoneham on Wednesday.

Chris Manning gave the visitors to Hurn Bridge a 33rd-minute lead before teenager Ash Pope, who is on work experience to Priory from Cherries, levelled midway through the second half.

A share of the spoils saw Christchurch drop points for only the third game in their past 15, leaving them fourth ahead of Tuesday’s trip to in-form Ringwood.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: “It was a game of two halves. We were poor in the first half and couldn’t get our passing going.

“They pressed us well and put us under pressure. Although they scored with their only shot on target in the game, we deserved to go in 1-0 down because we hadn’t been where we have in the past few games and that was the frustrating part.

“We asked for a response in the second half and really stamped our authority on the game in the final 35 minutes.

“Stevie Rattue came off the bench and did really well. We looked a completely different side and got back to where we have been playing.

“It was only a matter of time before we scored and we did. Ash Pope got us back in the game and really there was only ever going to be one winner after that.

“In the last 20 minutes, their goalkeeper made two great saves, we hit the post and missed two or three good opportunities.

“Stoneham were a good side and were not going to roll over and let us beat them. We were a little deflated at the end and it felt like a defeat. To only get a point was disappointing but sometimes you have to take the positives.”