CHRISTCHURCH have snapped up Poole Town’s highly-rated midfielder Chris Smith ahead of their tough FA Vase first round trip to Lancing tomorrow (3pm).

Smith joins Priory after failing to hold down a regular place in Dolphins’ starting line-up this term.

His arrival at Hurn Bridge is the perfect tonic for Graham Kemp’s side as they aim to repeat their impressive run to the fifth round in 2008-09.

It will give the depleted Priory camp a huge lift because Smith is eligible to compete in the Vase and looks set to be involved in Sussex tomorrow.

Kemp, whose side were knocked out 5-2 at home by Almondsbury in the second round last season, said: “I’ve been interested in Chris a couple of times before in the past and now he’s decided to come over.

“I like him as a midfield player. He’s creative and has got pedigree.

“He’s been at Poole for a couple of seasons and will definitely enhance our squad.”

Kemp, who would love his current charges to emulate the club’s run to the last 16 two seasons ago, added: “I’m looking for Chris to bring some experience into the centre of the park.

“We’re quite a young side. I’ll be looking for him to organise things further up the field for us.

“Poole haven’t played in the Vase yet this season so he can line up for us in the competition.”

Smith has made seven appearances for the reigning Sydenhams Wessex Premier champions this season – his last as a substitute in Dolphins’ 4-0 home win over Lymington on September 14.

Kemp, who has also enticed midfielder Mark Dancer away from Hamworthy United this week, has seven players sidelined tomorrow.

Adam Costello (hamstring), Marc Fairbrother (eye) and Paul Rideout (back) are injured, while Dancer and Ben Dickenson are unavailable.

James Burden and Martin Harris are suspended, so Steve Linpow returns from injury and Ben Lucas, who is studying at university in Brighton, is also included in their squad.

Christchurch: (from) Kearn, Legg, Crutchley, Grace, Sanderson, Burt, Ewen, Osborne, Dand, Griffin, Kittle, Bryan, Smith, Linpow, Lucas.