A LATE goal line clearance by Kevin Brewster denied Christchurch a surprise point at championship-chasing Vospers as Graham Kemp's men tried to prove their boss wrong.

Kemp, who won the Wessex League title with Lymington and New Milton, had torn into his players after a 4-1 home defeat against Brockenhurst in their previous game.

He claimed in the Echo that the players "had sucked the confidence and enthusiasm out of the club" in recent weeks and had "let themselves and let the club down" in that match.

Kemp had also said "at the moment, I wouldn't look to re-sign one of them next season" following that reverse.

But Christchurch's manager was much happier after Vospers had survived a stunning last-gasp Paul Rideout bicycle kick effort that was headed off the line by Brewster with VT goalkeeper Scott O'Rourke beaten.

That would have secured Priory a point after Barry Mason had swept the Boatmen ahead and Warren Hunt had wastefully fired a penalty wide for VT soon after.

Kemp said: "I was really proud of the players. They responded well.

"It has been a little bit of a turbulent week at the club following my comments in the Echo.

"There has been a lot of feeling within the club and around the whole league.

"The players responded and showed they wanted to play for me and the club.

"That is all I have been trying to get out of them, the dedication and commitment they showed against VT.

"People thought my comments were harsh and I know the vultures were circling around the club, with other Wessex managers thinking they would be able to cherry pick my best players.

"But I spoke to the boys after this game and most of them said if I had the forms out now they would have signed them for next season.

"They said they wanted to play for me and Christchurch, and that is all I wanted to know.

"I think that showed in the performance on Saturday. It was a great team performance and we were unlucky not to get a point against a very good side."

Priory take the same squad to New Milton for a league clash tomorrow (noon).

Christchurch: Collins, Walliss, Dand (Taylor 55), Crutchley, Linpow, Borthwick, Lawrence (Rideout 70), Woodford, Burden, Cook, Glasspool (Burrows 50). Unused subs: Manning, Jenvey.