CHRISTCHURCH boss Graham Kemp lamented his side’s finishing as Priory suffered Russell Cotes Cup final agony at Hurn Bridge.

Jack Slade’s double ensured the Wessex League big-guns Bemerton Harlequins claimed the silverware 2-0 despite Christchurch creating a host of openings.

Sam Griffin and Russell Cook both hit the woodwork at 1-0, while Bemerton keeper Fred Toomer took the man-of-the-match award with fine saves from James Burden and Cook.

However, the Wiltshire side were resolute as the match went on and looked the more dangerous side on the break, leaving a crestfallen Kemp wondering what might have been.

“The finishing was the difference and it was disappointing to concede two goals from set pieces. It’s all about putting the ball in the back of the net – they did and we didn’t.

“If I’m honest, I think we should have been two or three up at half-time – I think they got away with it and there wasn’t one moment at half-time where I didn’t feel we would go on to win the game.

“Bemerton are a good side, though, and they came out and stifled us a bit.

“We didn’t really create a lot after the break and once they got the second, the game was over.

“We had seven or eight opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net – they had three chances and scored two of them.

“They have the best strike partnership in the league and they play to their strengths.

“I knew exactly how they would play and in open play we coped with it.

“The first goal was the most disappointing for me – to give their lad a free header six yards out is criminal in a cup final and it takes some coming back from.”

However, with a final league game against Alresford and the Wessex League Cup final against Brockenhurst still to come, Kemp insists his players won’t feel sorry for themselves.

“We’ll sulk for a couple of days, but there’s not much wrong – if we play like that in our last two games then we’ll be okay.

“I think the players feel it was a chance missed – Bemerton were there for the taking and we certainly played well enough for 60 minutes to get our noses in front.”

Priory: Collins, Thompson, Taylor, Crutchley, Costello, Burt (Fairbrother, 64), Smith, Burden, Osborne, Cook (Cornick, 75), Griffin. Unused subs: Dand, Roberts, Prodomo (g/k).