Verwood boss Adie Arnold is confident he can fend off interest in star striker Mike Haskell following an approach from Wessex Premier leaders Winchester City.

Haskell has attracted the attention of the champions-elect after spearheading Potters’ Wessex One title charge by netting 16 times in 27 starts this season.

Arnold, whose team is four points clear at the Wessex One summit, told the Daily Echo: “Mike was made aware of their interest but told me he would be staying with us.

“It is flattering to have your players linked with clubs in a higher division and people are always going to look at you when you are having a good season.

“We have had interest in a few of our players but there is a special bond here. There is no budget so the lads aren’t here for the money. They are here because they are loyal.

“We have always been on the brink of something and, this season, the players want to finish what we have started.”

Jack Satterley’s opener and a Ross Lloyd own goal saw Potters register a 2-1 win over fourth-placed Brockenhurst at Potterne Park on Wednesday.

“It was a massive win,” said Arnold. “It has given us some breathing space but I still think it is going to be a four-horse race between us, Team Solent, AFC Portchester and Brockenhurst.”

Verwood’s title credentials will face another stern test tomorrow when they lock horns with in-form local rivals Ringwood at the Canotec Stadium (3pm). Since losing 3-0 at Potterne Park in December, a run of six wins in eight has propelled Ringwood into sixth place.

Arnold added: “Now Wayne Lockey has left as manager, I have got a lot of respect for the people at Ringwood. They have turned things around and are playing the right way. There is always a spark when we meet them and I know they would love to beat us. Fortunately, we are under no pressure so can relax and play with confidence.”

Ringwood joint caretaker-manager Steve Steele said: “There has been no love lost in these games in the past and we know Verwood are in a good position and playing really well.

“But we have hit a bit of form recently so, hopefully, it should be an interesting game. They got the better of us in December so you could say we owe them one.”

Ringwood have a major doubt over goalkeeper Josh Daley (thigh), while Verwood welcome back Martin Smith and Charlie Elysee.

Ringwood: (from) Daley, Osman, Tyler, Pierson, Yeats, Morrell, Edwards, Leadbetter, W Hole, Bailey, Mullings, Hardy, Elezi, Manning, Eley, Cousins.

Potters: (from) Lynch, Evans, Dear, Delaney, Kelly, Lidell, Gajic, Haskell, Satterley, Homer, Webb, Anderton, Dyer, Wrixton, Smith, Elysee, Rhodes.

• Sam Lockyer (groin) is ruled out of Hamworthy United’s trip to Wessex Premier whipping boys Laverstock & Ford (3pm), while Jonny Byrom has left the club to spend a year in Australia.

Christchurch, fresh from their Wessex League Cup semi-final heroics in midweek, travel to Bemerton, while Poppies visit Lymington Town (both 3pm).

Hammers: (from) Evans, Yelland, White, Horlock, Haysom, Lanahan, Whitcher, Stacey, Chudy, Burbidge, Robinson, Mullins, Cannie, Pidgley, Voysey.

Priory: (from) Prodomo, Thompson, Legg, Crutchley, Costello, Burt, Smith, Fairbrother, Osborne, Cook, Burden, Griffin, Harris, Dand, Lovell, Collins.

Poppies: (from) Frampton, Crow, Saadi, Jackson, Taylor, Crutcher, Blake, Ingram, Phillipson-Masters, Swann, Cream, Hogan, Mas, Madero, Byrne, Ewen, Vaughan.