CHRISTCHURCH boss Graham Kemp says he is gunning for more success after helping write a new chapter in the club’s history.
Victory over fellow Wessex Premier high-fliers Moneyfields on Saturday saw Priory smash through the 80-point mark for the first time.
Ben Osborne’s double and a stunning Sam Griffin strike ensured Christchurch would leapfrog their opponents into third place.
Priory are also still in the hunt for silverware on two fronts and host Bemerton Heath in the final of the Russell-Cotes Cup at Hurn Bridge tomorrow (7.45pm).
And just 13 days later on Bank Holiday Monday, Christchurch meet Brocken-hurst in the Wessex League Cup final at Bemerton’s West-ern Way headquarters.
Kemp told the Daily Echo: “It has been a phenomenal season and, hopefully, there is still plenty more to come.
“I believe Christchurch’s last appearance in a cup final was about 10 years ago and they lost. To reach two cup finals this season and to be third in the table is a fabulous return.
“I just hope we can get over the final hurdle because it would be a fitting reward for the players. They have stuck together through thick and thin and been tremendous for the club.
“We have managed to come up trumps in a lot of our big games and to do the same in our remaining three would cap a great season.
“We always knew it would be a tall order to compete with Winchester City for the title but felt it would be an achievement if we could win a cup.
“It is in our hands to finish at least fourth and, with a week of the league season to go, we are third in the table and in two cup finals.”
Osborne put Priory on course for victory when he finished a sweeping move, orchestrated by Griffin, with a composed finish after 25 minutes.
The prolific striker then took his personal tally for the season to 30 when he netted from the spot after Russell Cook had been felled by Moneys goalkeeper Cameron Scott who was sent off.
Griffin’s sublime effort sealed victory 10 minutes from time, with Kemp admitting Christchurch had benefited from Moneys being without leading marksman Steve Hutchings who was suspended.
Priory: Collins, Thompson, Taylor, Costello, Crutchley, Burden, Smith, Fairbrother, Osborne (Roberts, 70), Cook (Cornick, 60), Griffin. Unused subs: Dand, Legg, Lovell.
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