AN EARLY goal from Brad Cherrett against Portland United all but secured Christchurch's Wessex Premier status for next season.

Victory left Ollie Cherrett's Priory six points clear of third bottom Cowes Sports.

The Isle of Wight side have two games remaining and a significantly worse goal difference compared to Christchurch, who have one fixture to play.

Frontman Luke Stone fired four goals for Hamworthy United as they secured an emphatic 5-1 victory triumph against Team Solent.

Connor Cocklin was also on target for Hammers at County Ground. The win brought Alan Lay's side level on points with third-placed Portland United.

Poppies maintained the pressure on second-placed Horndean thanks to a 2-1 victory at Baffins Milton Rovers, with goals from Lewis Harvey and River Smith.

The points were shared in the New Forest derby between Bashley and Lymington. A double from Luke Ansell put Lymington in the ascendancy before Dan Munday hit back with a brace, including the equaliser in the 89th minute.

In Wessex One, Ryan Osman's goal shortly before half-time earned Ringwood a point at Hythe & Dibden.

Erickson Mukambi netted a consolation for New Milton in a 5-1 defeat against AFC Stoneham, while Verwood played out a goalless draw with Totton & Eling.

Tomorrow night's Wessex Premier action sees Poppies host Sholing and Hamworthy United travel to Shaftesbury (both 7.45pm).