CHRISTCHURCH FC are appealing for supporters following the club’s recent run in the FA Cup to continue backing the club as the club pushes for further successes.

The side crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties as they were beaten by Dulwich Halmet in the third qualifying round of the competition.

The Wessex League Premier Division team kept their opponent, three tiers higher than Christchurch, at bay for the majority of the match before Deon Moore scored with just two minutes left.

But Christchurch shocked their National League South opponents when Josh Kirkham struck to level the tie, which was broadcasted live on BBC iPlayer and BBC’s Red Button service.

Manager Ollie Cherrett said: “We knew from the outset that it was going to be a difficult game and you ask yourself the question does lightning strike twice.

“When we conceded, we were thinking that the writing as on the wall but these lads don’t know when they are beaten, and John Blake gambled to get in the box and got on the end of the cross superbly.

“For that split second, we lost our minds. It was just complete elation. But then you realise that we have levelled the game and penalties are coming up.”

Having ended their history-making run in the competition, the Christchurch FC boss said that the team need to use that momentum to help fuel the rest of their season, as well as the FA Vase contest which starts in November.

Ollie has commended the support of fan and the town of Christchurch and has asked for those who have followed the side’s FA Cup run to continue coming to games and cheering from the stands.

“The support we have received has been outstanding and I want to thank everyone who has come to the games and support us during this FA Cup run," said Ollie.

He added: “We want them to keep coming back and supporting us and help make the club proud and the town proud of its football club

"It is so important at this level to have that fan base. Five years ago, we were getting on average 50 people to home games and up until the beginning of last year, it was at 150.

"However, during this run we have had the best part of 300 people coming to our games and they have been only home fans.

"I am crying out to them now to continue coming back to the club and cheering the team on because we need their support."

Having seen his side reach the furthest in the FA Cup in Dorset side’s history, Ollie says that “the future of Christchurch FC is looking very bright”.

He added: “Special mentions go to our two main sponsors In Excess and M.A. Hart because, without their backing through the tough times, we wouldn’t have a football club.

“Yet, we are now getting companies getting in touch with us as they can see our vision for the future and want to help provide that grounding and foundation for us to build on.

“We are all dreaming big at the moment, even the chairman says that he has caught the bug.

“We feel as though we are venturing into a new era with the club, but we have to keep our feet on the ground and look only as far as our next game.”