BOSS Ollie Cherrett hailed Cherries youngster Ash Pope after his last-gasp "wonder strike" had earned Christchurch a 3-2 win over Wessex One rivals Ringwood on Tuesday.

Pope, who is on work experience with Priory, netted with a stunning 25-yard effort in stoppage time to cap a dramatic comeback from the visitors at Long Lane.

Although Christchurch took the lead through Dave Wrixton after 30 minutes, Ringwood reached the break in the ascendancy thanks to Lee Clarke's precision header and a finely-taken goal from Peter Richmond-Cole.

Stevie Rattue levelled 10 minutes from time before Pope popped up to seal victory with virtually the last kick of the game.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "I thought we were brilliant in the opening 30 minutes and rightly took the lead. But two silly mistakes just before half-time cost us.

"The second half became very scrappy and I thought Ringwood defended really well. I felt we panicked a little but, after missing a couple of half chances, we equalised.

"I thought we had secured a point but my players have great belief and determination and didn't settle for that.

"We were going to need something special and Ash didn't disappoint. It was a wonder strike from 25 yards.

"It was a massive three points for us and we need to continue to win games. We have a big few weeks on the horizon, starting with a tough trip to Weymouth on Saturday. Hopefully, we can take the momentum from the Ringwood game and get another valuable three points."

Elsewhere in Wessex One, New Milton Town were sunk 4-1 at home to Downton.

In the Wessex Premier, Mark Barker and Ryan Long struck as Brockenhurst triumphed 4-1 at Hamworthy United. The Badgers profited from two own goals, while Ed Hodge netted for Hamworthy.

Poppies lost 4-1 to Bemerton while Harry McGrath’s double was not enough to stop Bashley suffering a 3-2 defeat at Newport. Lymington Town were beaten 2-1 by visitors Portland despite Lewis Packham’s opener.

Meanwhile, Weymouth midfielder Billy Lowes looks set to join Wimborne Town on loan.