THE champagne is on ice at Winchester City following Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Christchurch.

Victory at Hurn Bridge would have secured Guy Butters's men the Sydenhams Premier Division title, but they still need a point from their remaining five games to get them over the line.

City are now hoping to get the celebrations in full swing at home to third-placed GE Hamble on Saturday.

"It's a shame we didn't win, but we have the chance to win the title at home and that's good," said Butters.

"We look forward to the game against GE Hamble on Saturday now. They are a good team and know us well.

"But if we play like we did in the first half at Christchurch, it shouldn't be too much trouble."

Dom Allen gave City the lead at Christchurch but Priory levelled through home-grown defender Dan Thompson.

Christchurch boss Graham Kemp said: "It was a great advert for Wessex League football. A draw was a fair result. It was a cracking game played in the right spirit."