CHRISTCHURCH have significantly bolstered their attacking resources by swooping for Scott Joyce – one of the most prolific goalscorers in the history of the Wessex League.

Joyce, who started his career with Priory, is in line to make his second debut for the club when they visit Wessex One neighbours Ringwood Town tomorrow (7.45pm).

Since joining Poppies in 2005, the frontman has plundered 286 goals in 399 appearances in the Wessex League and has also turned out in the competition for Wimborne, Bemerton, Brockenhurst and Blackfield & Langley.

Joyce, whose goals helped fire Wimborne to promotion to the Southern League in 2010, also netted regularly during spells at a higher level with Poole and Bashley.

Beaten just once in the league this season – at US Portsmouth in August – Priory currently top the table and have three games in hand on second-placed Andover New Street.

Boss Ollie Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "We are really pleased to have signed Scott. He will bring experience and is a proven goalscorer."

Ringwood, who went down 5-1 at Hurn Bridge in December, have won two of their past three games but have not played since beating East Cowes Vics at Long Lane on February 17.

Cherrett, who saw Christchurch's scheduled trip to Laverstock on Saturday postponed, added: "After another weekend not playing, there is no better game than a derby to come back to.

"We went top thanks to a hard-fought point against Alton last week and are looking to build on that. We have a lot of games to play in a short period of time so have to manage them well.

"The players are full of confidence but rhythm is missing with not playing regularly so, at this stage of the season, it comes down to winning games rather than performances.

"Ringwood is always a hard place to go and Charlie Pierson will have his lads up for it."

Striker Luke Stone and midfielder Grant Cormack are both unavailable for Priory.

Also tomorrow, Lymington travel to Wessex Premier leaders Andover Town, while Poppies visit Shaftesbury (both 7.45pm).

Goals from Jamie Beasley and Edgar Zanin salvaged a 2-2 draw for Hamworthy United against Wessex Premier rivals Brockenhurst on Saturday. The Badgers had forged ahead at the County Ground through Matt Sheedy and Mitch Speechley-Price.

Steve Walker hit Lymington's consolation in their 2-1 defeat at Bemerton, while James Guthrie's double earned Verwood a 2-0 win at Downton in Wessex One.