THREE months after rejecting the Priory post, Adie Arnold insists his Verwood side are capable of conquering suitors Christchurch in tomorrow’s derby date at Potterne Park (3pm).

The Hurn Bridge outfit asked Arnold to replace outgoing success story Graham Kemp over the summer but the Potters chief chose to stay put citing “unfinished business” with Verwood.

And having watched Priory’s 3-1 win over Whitchurch United on Wednesday night, Arnold feels Michael Cuffie’s new-look side should hold no fear for his charges. 

Arnold told the Daily Echo: “They’ve had to rebuild a little bit and I went across on Wednesday to see what they’re like.

“On the pitch, I think we’re up there with them but we will have to be on our game because they will be out to prove a point after I turned down the job.

“To be fair, I thought the fixtures secretary might be having a laugh when the list came out, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, Cuffie said his side are in buoyant mood after another Gareth Barnes brace sandwiched Marc Fairbrother’s strike to see off the Jamboys.

“The fact it’s a derby adds a bit of spice because a lot of the players are mates, but on the pitch there is a job to do and you always want to win.

“Confidence is sky high at the moment but we’re taking things game by game. There are no expectations.”

Priory name an unchanged squad with Billy Walker and Chris Speers still unavailable while Charlie Elysee and James, Murray could feature for Potters.

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

Priory: Frampton, Doe, Bernard (Jacobs, 87), McGrath, Legg, Blackburn, Smith, Hoey (Fairbrother, 53), Barnes (Saul, 89), Purdy, Burden. Unused subs: Salazar, Homan.

  • Simon Browne has thrown down the gauntlet to his Hamworthy United players ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Bemerton (3pm).

Browne said: “Other than last season’s FA Cup, we’ve not had much success against Bemerton but it is down to sides like us to challenge the big budgets and big egos of this league.

"It will be a tough ask but we’ve started well. We’re creating chances and look a real threat at the moment.”

Greg Horlock, Dave Sturgess and Lee Chudy all return to the Hammers’ squad.

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

  • Bournemouth Poppies are hopeful keeper Sean Lillington will recover from a twisted knee in time for tonight’s trip to Sholing (7.45pm).

But boss Ken Vaughan will have to do without two of his senior players for the tricky away day with Zouaoui Lamalli (knee) and Max Crow on the sidelines.

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

  • New Milton Town kick off their Wessex One campaign with a trip to Stockbridge tomorrow (3pm).

Elsewhere, Poole Town’s friendly with Basingstoke Town is one of 150 fixtures across the country to take part in tomorrow’s Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day.

There will be a training session at half time for the Dolphins’ under-13s and a crossbar challenge for youngsters in the crowd. Supporters are reminded the match kicks off at 2pm.