BOURNEMOUTH Poppies bolstered their defensive options ahead of the big kick-off with the capture of full-back Max Crow from Wessex League champions Blackfield & Langley.

Crow, who played his part in Poppies’ FA Vase exploits in 2012, left Victoria Park last summer to join the big-spending Watersiders, but opted to return after making just 14 starts at Gang Warily.

Poppies boss Ken Vaughan said: “We are pleased to wel-come Max back. He is decent on the ball and has always added a bit of drive to every side I’ve seen him play in.”

Crow is expected to feature in Poppies’ Wessex League Cup first round tie at Ringwood Town tonight (7.45pm) along with fellow new recruits Will Robinson, Sam Pearce, Harry Cooper and Sean Lillington.

Poppies: (from) Lillington, Crow, Ayrton, Jackson, Saadi, Corby, Bartlett, Robinson, Phillips, Warren, Andrews, Burgis, Clarke, Cooper, Hales, Pearce, Turner.

  • Manager Michael Cuffie will take charge of his first competitive clash with his new-look Christchurch side visiting Fawley this evening (7.45pm).

The Priory chief has just one injury concern with defender Dan Steer facing a late fitness test.

Priory: (from) Frampton, Doe, Steer, Speers, Legg, Blackburn, Smith, Purdy, Barnes, Burden, Bernard, Saul, Hoe, Meyer, Walker, Jacobs, Frewin.

  • Hamworthy United will be without long-serving defender Greg Horlock for their open-ing Wessex Premier clash when they host Totton & Eling tomorrow (3pm). The dependable defender is serving a suspension carried over from last season.

Hammers: (from) Knights, Head, Biles, Saunders, Holland, Claremont, Lanahan, Sturgess, Penny, Pekun, Allen, Chudy, Shovelton, Bassiriki, Stacey, Bradley, Haysom.

  • Elsewhere tomorrow, Verwood kick off with a League Cup tie against Wessex One outfit Cowes Sports at Potterne Park. New Milton also start in the cup trail when they host fellow Wessex One outfit Andover Town at Fawcett’s Field. 

Potters: (from) Lynch, Collins, Dyer, Elysee, Evans, Gajic, Gilham, Haskell, Hill, Homer, Kelly, Kimber, Lovell, Murray, Oldring, Saxby, Smith, Webb.