CHRISTCHURCH ended their best ever campaign by lifting the Wessex League Cup, with boss Graham Kemp insisting his side can do even better next season.

Priory were put through the wringer in the second half of a tight clash at Bemerton, but Kemp’s charges dominated the closing stages to run out worthy winners.

Sam Griffin rifled home at the far post to hand Christchurch a 23rd-minute lead, but Brockenhurst pegged them back with Warren Kenna’s audacious 30-yard lob four minutes after the interval.

Priory were ruffled for a while, but survived the onslaught and scored against the run of play on 76 minutes – Mark Smith’s precision pass from deep finding Ben Osborne who rounded Scott O’Rourke to score.

It was all Christchurch from there with Russell Cook twice denied by spectacular blocks, but Osborne converted an injury-time penalty to wrap up the victory.

Kemp said: “We have played loads better than that this season, but this was a final and it was all about getting across the line.

“Warren’s wonder goal unsettled us for quarter-of-an-hour, but they cracked first and it was a great finish from Ossie (Ben Osborne).

“After that, we could have had a couple more and I think the best team won on the day.”

The late surge would have come as a relief to Kemp, who surprised many by selecting Joe Prodomo in goal ahead of Jason Collins, but the Priory boss felt no keeper in the land would have stopped Kenna’s strike.

“If you want your keeper to sweep around the back four then he’s going to be out there so I’m not sure even having someone tall like Stewart Kearn would have made a difference – Joe made a couple of good saves for us.”

Asked whether Christchurch could push for next season’s Wessex League title, Kemp added: “I don’t see why not, as long as our best players aren’t picked off by higher clubs.

“Money is always a problem for this football club and anyone worth their salt will be looking at some of our players, but we’re looking at building on team loyalty.”

Priory: Prodomo, Thompson, Legg, Crutchley, Costello, Burt, Smith, Fairbrother (Cook, 62), Osborne (Cornick, 90+4), Burden (Roberts, 87), Griffin. Unused subs: Brian, Collins (g/k).