BOSS Ollie Cherrett reckons Christchurch’s Wessex One promotion hopes are all but “dead and buried”.

Fifth-placed Priory have slipped off the pace after picking up just one win in their past eight games.

They are four points adrift of faltering Laverstock & Ford – who still occupy the third automatic promotion spot despite having lost five games on the trot.

Christchurch probably need to win their final five games – starting with the visit of Fleet Spurs tomorrow (3pm) – to stand any chance of squeezing into the top three.

Cherrett said: “I think our chances are probably dead and buried. It’s very unlikely so we are looking to build for next season.

“We’ve gone through a stale patch. The disappointing thing for me is that it has dragged on. We just needed that one win to help us push on.

“It’s going to be too late now, that’s my feeling. We have some tough games left and our target is to win as many as possible and see what happens.

“Laverstock keep losing – I don’t think anyone wants to get promoted if I’m completely honest.”

Ringwood have an outside chance of gatecrashing the promotion picture after winning six of their past seven games.

They are six points behind Lavvy ahead of tomorrow's clash with Weymouth reserves at Long Lane (3pm).

Also in Wessex One, New Milton, who drew 3-3 at Fleet Spurs on Tuesday thanks to goals from Steve Flynn, Ollie Peckham and Ethan Maddocks, host Alton (3pm).

Bragging rights will be on the line when Sydenhams Wessex Premier neighbours Bashley and Lymington Town face-off at Bashley Road (3pm).

Lymington, who won the reverse fixture 2-1 in October, have lost their past two games, while Bash are unbeaten in their past four in the league.

Verwood host fifth-placed Alresford knowing a ninth successive defeat could condemn them to relegation if other results were to go against them (3pm).

Hamworthy United entertain leaders Moneyfields, while Poppies travel to fourth-placed Sholing (both 3pm).

Brockenhurst, who climbed into the top 10 following their 2-0 win over AFC Portchester on Tuesday thanks to goals from Mark Barker and Matt Vokes, visit Whitchurch United (3pm).