CHRISTCHURCH boss Pete Moore defended fielding a virtual reserve side against Brockenhurst in a 1-1 draw.

Moore said: "I wasn't trying to belittle Brockenhurst FC or (their manager) Graham Kemp at all. We literally took the opportunity to try one or two things.

"There was nothing riding on this game, there's no titles or relegation and I generally wanted to look at one or two people in a situation like this and see how they coped.

"One or two players have really surprised me. Steve Shergold in goal showed what a quality goalkeeper he's going to be."

Kemp said: "My players are a bit down because they wanted to finish the season on a high but they can go away now and enjoy the summer and keep smiling because both clubs have done exceptionally well.

"Pete manages the same way as I do. He would have loved to have won today and I would love to have won."

The draw was fitting in a way as both sides started poorly before the appointment of new managers saw an upturn.

Brock took the lead in the 11th minute when Lee Winsall let fly with a superb right foot shot from 20 yards which Shergold could do nothing about. Christchurch levelled with an equally good strike from Graham Dean.

Brockenhurst goalkeeper Iain Brunnschweiler, the former Hampshire Cricket wicketkeeper, received the club's player-of-the-season award.

Christchurch's season is not yet over, though, as they face either Winchester City or Havant in the Russell Cotes Cup final at Hurn Bridge on Thursday, May 6.