Wessex League Premier: Christchurch win vital relegation battle against Hythe & Dibden

Wessex League Premier

Christchurch FC 4
Hythe & Dibden FC 2

CHRISTCHURCH'S recent improved form continued with a vital 4-2 win over Hythe & Dibden as the league's bottom two sides met at Hurn Bridge.

Since former manager Graham Kemp returned to the club in a temporary role, Priory have picked up four points from three games after losing all but one of their previous 16 matches.

After a keenly contested opening half hour, the hosts found the opener when Luke Ansell stroked a free-kick around the wall and beyond Joe Hunt from the edge of the area.

Hythe responded well, and the brilliant Filippos Terzidis began to torment the Christchurch backline while fashioning two superb chances; he flashed a shot narrowly wide of the post before fantastic defending blocked a second effort.

Moments before the half-time whistle, former Brockenhurst player and new signing Bourhane Maatgoug converted from close range after a Stephenson cross to make it 2-0 at the whistle.

After an hour, the hosts had a third when debutant James King converted with a low, driven effort after making a fantastic run.

Then, with 10 minutes left, Brazillian Eder Batista scored Christchurch's fourth after finding acres of space inside the area.

Hythe's frustrated Lawson Bright earned 10 minutes in the sin-bin for words with the referee. But, to Hythe's credit, they continued to attack. Substitute Steffi Pilsoiu was rewarded for his efforts with a well-taken goal before Terzidis added a second consolation strike.