BOSS Michael Cuffie admits Christchurch face an unknown quantity in newly-promoted Whitchurch United - but backed his own boys to be the season's surprise package.

Priory will look to avoid a sticky start to their Wessex Premier campaign against the Jamboys tonight (7.45pm) after impressing their new gaffer with a 4-2 League Cup win at Fawley on Friday.

And while the Hurn Bridge chief knows little about last season's Wessex One runners-up, Cuffie has confidence in his squad after their strong showing against the Oilers.

Priory's manager told the Daily Echo: “To be honest, we were exceptional and were so on top in the first 45 minutes that we should have been four or five goals up.

“We were much the better side but Fawley were defending really well and we said at half-time to watch out for the sucker punch.

“After going behind it could have got a bit anxious but, to be fair, the lads did really well, stuck to the task and got back into the game.

“We're concentrating on our own performances because we have had a very good pre-season and started well. If we can continue that, we're going to surprise a few people this season.”

Cuffie will welcome Marc Fairbrother and Alex Salazar into his squad while Jacques Bernard features after shrugging off the effects of an awkward landing during the match at Fawley.

However, Dan Steer remains on the treatment table with knee ligament damage expected to keep the defender sidelined for up to three weeks.

Priory: (from) Frampton, Doe, Bernard, Speers, Legg, Blackburn, Smith, Purdy, Barnes, Burden, Fairbrother, Saul, Hoey, Salazar, Walker, Jacobs, Frewin.