CHRISTCHURCH manager Graham Kemp will wait to receive the referee's report before deciding whether they will appeal against Gareth Barnes's sending off at Poole in midweek.

The big striker saw red after it was believed the official deemed he had allegedly elbowed diminutive Micky Hubbard during Priory's 3-0 defeat.

Kemp, whose side host Brockenhurst at Hurn Bridge in the Wessex Premier tonight (7.45pm), said: "I didn't see the incident and some people have told me it was an accident while others have a different view.

"Gareth is not that type of player. He is not a malicious character.

"We will just see what the ref's report says before deciding whether we'll appeal.

"Micky was the smallest player on the pitch and Gareth is one of the biggest, so these things can tend to be quite innocuous.

"I haven't had the chance to speak to Gareth about what happened yet because it's difficult to do those sorts of things straight after matches.

"But we'll sit down and discuss it as soon as we can.

"Gareth will start for me against Brockenhurst though. His effort and commitment have been quite exceptional since he joined us so he will be playing tonight."

Christchurch have two points from three league games after opening with draws at Hayling (0-0) and Poppies (2-2), a tally Kemp is pleased with as he feels his side have "had one of the toughest starts of any team in the league."

Brock arrive at Hurn Bridge following a 2-0 home win over Bemerton and are fifth in the table with six points from three matches.

Priory are experimenting with Friday night football for the first time, and Kemp said: "We spoke to a lot of other clubs and they say they get a bigger crowd on Friday.

"We are allowed to do two games on a Friday each season so we contacted Brock and will be playing them away on a Friday later this term as well.

"It'll be interesting to see how many spectators turn up.

"You can pick up a lot of local football supporters and hopefully we may attract a few from Wimborne or Poole Town and maybe even AFC Bournemouth."

It will be Christchurch's first genuine home game of the season as their FA Cup triumph over Melksham was staged at Wimborne because Hurn Bridge was unavailable as it was being used for cricket.

Christchurch: (from) Kearn, Linpow, Taylor, Green, Crutchley, Dillon, Smith, Brock, Keates, Barnes, Cook, Burden, Burrows, Lawrence, Rideout, Manning.

  • New Milton host Moneyfields tomorrow, while the other Sydenhams Wessex Premier fixtures see Hamworthy United host Romsey, Wimborne visit Hayling and Poppies travel to VT FC.

In Division One, Ringwood host Whitchurch and Verwood are at home to Hythe and Dibden.

Hamworthy Recreation visit Sturminster Newton in the Dorset League Premier Division.