HISTORY makers Christchurch didn't realise they had so many friends and well-wishers in the Jewson Wessex League.

The cosy New Forest club have never been this far in the Vase before and they have been touched by the support of their rival clubs ahead of tomorrow's trip to Devizes Town.

Priory joint-manager Tony Brown acknowledged: "Wherever we go in the Wessex League, people are right behind us and wishing us all the best.

"It's nice to get that sort of backing. They don't have to mention it, but they've all been telling us to keep the Wessex flag flying."

Although Christchurch have not been blessed with home advantage like their neighbours Lymington, on paper they have the easier tie.

Devizes are wallowing third to bottom of the Screwfix Western Premier Division, just eight points better off than basement boys Welton Rovers, who were whipped 5-0 by Priory in the last round.

Brown said: "I don't want to sound cocky or over-confident because we're very inconsistent ourselves, which is why we're only lower mid-table in the Wessex League.

"But we beat Devizes in the Vase last season and our physio, Kevin Jackson, knows their manager and apparently they're really struggling at the moment. Their record doesn't look good and it suggests they're not much better than Welton."

Priory's recent strike signing Lee Winsall is ineligible to play and the club are likely to travel without a substitute goalkeeper.

Former first-choice number one Jamie Franks, who had been understudy to Max Frampton all season, has jacked in football in for the rest of the season.

"We'd planned to travel with two 'keepers and we could still take our youth lad, but we'd like to stick with the players who've been involved all the way through," said Brown.

"Jamie's got a bit fed up. He hasn't been playing reserve games either because of all the postponements."

Priory have lodged notice of approach with BAT for former Basingstoke, Totton and Fleet frontman Stuart Willes.