Priory target derby double

Priory dropped to second in the Premier Division after losing to third-placed Preston Nomads last weekend, but all of the top three will fancy their chances of topping the pile come September.

Jason Finch, the Priory captain, said: “With 30 points for a win, the league was never going to be decided by Saturday’s result. Even if we had beaten them, I wouldn’t be saying they’re out of it now. I’m not demoralised by any stretch, it just brings them a little bit closer.”

Horsham are the new leaders following their victory over relegation-threatened Chichester Priory Park, but Priory and Nomads have a game in hand. Priory are 15 points behind and Nomads are a further seven adrift.

Priory now embark on a run of four consecutive home fixtures, three of which are against sides in the bottom four. The other is against the Sussex Development XI, which has won only one of its seven matches so far.

First up tomorrow (Saturday) is a local derby at home to third-bottom Eastbourne, who boosted their survival prospects with victory at home to fifth-placed Roffey last weekend.

Tom Harvey is away and Andy Cornford is working so 15-year-old prospect Elliot Hooper could come into the squad. Play will get underway from 12.30pm at Horntye Park Sports Complex.