BOSS Ollie Cherrett heaped praise on youngster James King after his second-half double gave Christchurch a priceless 4-2 victory over AFC Stoneham.

Priory were pegged back on two separate occasions in the first half at Hurn Bridge. Stoneham’s Sergio Caballero notched a brace to cancel out goals from Scott Joyce and Max Wilcock.

But teenager King took centre stage after the break, slotting in a free-kick just before the hour mark and putting the game to bed with his second 10 minutes from time.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: “James was brilliant for the time he was on the pitch. His quality really shone through.

“I don’t like picking out too many individuals but I felt on Saturday he was outstanding.

“He has found a consistency to his game which we have spoken about. In the past three or four games he has really learned and been brilliant.

“He gives us a real threat and quality from set-pieces. To have the confidence to step up in a big game like that and score will do his confidence the world of good.

“It’s always easy to do it when you are 5-0 up but to do it when it was 2-2 and people were getting a bit nervy gives you a great chance.

“He is a Christchurch boy through and through. He won the under-18 league with us last season and hopefully he can be part of something special this season as well.”

Table-topping Priory are seven points clear at the Wessex One summit with seven games remaining.

Promotion could be secured within the coming week and the Hurn Bridge boss is happy with the way his charges are coping with the pressure.

“It was important we got three points at home and kept the positive run going,” he added.

“There was a little bit of nervous tension within the squad but that’s bound to happen at this stage of the season with so much on the game.

“The way the lads reacted in the second half was first class and their character and hard work was second to none. I believe that is why we are where we are.”

Priory, who have only lost once in the league all season, visit Hythe & Dibden on Wednesday (7.45pm).

They then travel to East Cowes Victoria on Saturday (3pm) before a home clash with United Services Portsmouth on Easter Monday (3pm).

Elsewhere in the division, goals from Pepe Smith and Lee Vint helped Ringwood Town to a 2-1 home win over Alton.

A Steve Flynn strike was not enough for New Milton as they went down 2-1 at home to Romsey Town.

In Wessex Premier, Steve Walker’s goal proved only a consolation for Lymington in their 2-1 defeat to Shaftesbury. Poppies drew 0-0 with AFC Portchester at Victoria Park.

Bashley, whose clash against Horndean was postponed on Saturday, tomorrow host leaders Andover Town (7.45pm).