Christchurch boss Ollie Cherrett was delighted with his players after they beat Westbury United in their rearranged FA Vase tie last night.
A Kieran Douglas header in the 62nd minute was enough to put Cherrett’s side into the First Round and set up a clash with fellow league rivals US Portsmouth. On his side’s 1-0 win, Cherrett said:
“It’s a terrific result. We always knew Westbury were going to be a difficult side to beat but I thought we dealt with them brilliantly.
“We were solid in the first half without any real quality but in the second we put them under a lot more pressure.
“We created some really good chances and I thought the overall professionalism of the players was first class.”
Last night’s game was rescheduled after Westbury were found guilty of breaching competition rules in the same fixture nineteen days ago. Fielding a fourth substitute in extra time, the Wiltshire side ended up 5-2 winners at Meadow Lane. Christchurch immediately appealed to the FA and the decision to replay the match at Hurn Bridge was made.
Priory’s win sees them bank £725 in prize money and begins what could become a memorable cup run. Asked how it feels to get into the next round, midfielder Jon Blake said:
“Progressing in the Vase is always a good feeling, it keeps the dream alive to play at Wembley and it’s a good financial reward for the club.
“It was a massive blow to lose like we did in Westbury but to get a second chance to put that right was a blessing.
“They are a decent team and it’s a big relief to come out of the game with a win.”
A win and a clean sheet against a Westbury side who are still unbeaten in the Western League First Division shows the level that Christchurch will be looking to maintain this season. According to Cherrett, a good run in the Vase can only be beneficial. He said:
“It means an awful lot to get through to the next round. No matter what competition you’re in it’s important to win games, but to progress in the Vase gives everyone an extra boost.
“Confidence is high at the moment and it’s good for the players to test themselves. A decent cup run gives us a break from week-to-week league games which in my mind is a positive.”
The First Round takes place next weekend when US Portsmouth visit Hurn Bridge hoping to replicate their 3-0 home victory over Christchurch back in August. It remains Priory’s only league defeat, but Cherrett is confident of a positive result this time around.
“US Portsmouth are a good side and it will be a tough game there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
“Apart from the FA Cup against Portchester we’re unbeaten at home so if we prepare well and perform like we have been, then hopefully we will get through to round two.”
Christchurch return to league action on Saturday when they make the trip to third place Romsey Town. A win for either team could see them close the gap on leaders Laverstock & Ford, who travel to Eastleigh-based side AFC Stoneham.
Daniel Sansom 