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.

Cowes gave 6 ft 3 in ex-centre back Michael Pointer a new role as a striker after a couple of reserve games up front and he responded with two of the goals in a 4-1 win at rock bottom Whitchurch.

Cowes had had to wait until the 43rd minute before Sam Hart beat two players down the right to set up Ollie Buckett.

Things were made easier for them when Whitchurch had a player sent off and they added three more goals after the break before Whitchurch grabbed a consolation.

Hart provided Buckett with his second goal. Then Pointer struck for his first.

James Roden continued to look a good prospect for BAT as they wrapped up their season with a 3-0 win over Downton.

The young defender/midfield player scored one goal and was brought down for a penalty which Dave Roberts converted. In between Paul West went on a solo run which he finished himself as BAT grabbed all their goals in the second half.

"I was delighted with the attitude of the players," said BAT boss Andy Leader, "and James Roden, who is in his first season,is definitely one for the future."