DELIGHT: Christchurch boss Graham Kemp

IT was a proud day for the local Wessex League quartet in FA Vase action as they all overcame tough away trips to progress.

Leading the way at the first round proper stage was in-form Christchurch, who came from a goal down to defeat Combined Counties Premier Division leaders Cove 2-1.

There were also wins on the road for New Milton Town (1-0 after extra time at Melksham), Hamworthy United (2-1 at Barnstaple) and Wimborne Town (3-0 at Shaftesbury).

Priory boss Graham Kemp could hardly contain his delight after second-half goals from Ben Osborne and Paul Rideout sent his side through.

Trailing 1-0 at the break against Cove, Kemp's men dug deep and produced the type of performance which has seen them start the Premier Division season in impressive fashion.

"It wasn't our best performance by any stretch," admitted manager Kemp. "The conditions didn't help and neither side played a lot of football.

"We were 1-0 down at half-time but we had the elements in the second half and Ben equalised on the hour with a great goal.

"He turned his man and curled a shot into the top corner.

"Then with 10 minutes to go, a cross from the left was volleyed home by Paul Rideout.

"So two quality goals won it for us."

Kemp believes his side have benefited from starting the competition at an early stage.

He said: "This was our third game and we've got a bit of momentum, which works in your favour sometimes."

The fine start Priory have made to the season has not gone unnoticed with the club's loyal followers.

"The chap who is a life president and comes to a lot of the games told me on Saturday it was the best Christchurch side he's ever seen," explained Kemp.

"At this stage we're looking strong."

Hamworthy also recorded a 2-1 victory after being given a tough test at Barnstaple.

Captain Nathan Walker, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, capped the occasion in style by heading Phil Simkin's men into an early lead.

Former Wimborne and Poppies man Gary Clarke, 31, came off the bench to double the advantage late on.

And despite conceding soon after, Simkin's men held on, with the Hammers boss admitting it was "one of the hardest games" his team have faced for "a long time".

The County Ground outfit have had more than their fair share of long away trips in the Vase and FA Cup this season, but Simkin isn't too worried where they get drawn next.

He said: "We're on the road all the time but seem to be doing okay.

"We like these coach trips!"

New Milton Town needed extra time before seeing off the challenge of Melksham, as substitute Gareth Byers netted the game's only goal with 10 minutes remaining.

It was no more than Linnets deserved, after Ryan Long and Callum Burt had both earlier been denied by the woodwork.

8:05pm Sunday 5th October 2008

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