CHRISTCHURCH manager Ollie Cherrett presided over a third successive league win and then said promotion was still the aim.

Goals from Luke Stone and Sam Thompson earned them a 2-0 victory over Wessex One rivals Romsey Town on Saturday.

It propelled them to fifth place in the table, their highest position following relegation from the top flight last season.

Christchurch are nine points behind second-placed US Portsmouth with leaders Portland blazing a trail at the summit.

Asked if finishing second was still a realistic target, Cherrett said: “Until someone tells me it’s not possible, we will always believe.

“I’m not going to lie and say I don’t look at the league table. Portland, who I know well from my time in the Dorset Premier League, are up there and are going to take some stopping. They are going to be hard to catch.

“Second place is very much up for grabs. We have certainly got enough quality in the squad to go on a run.

“We are not giving up on anything. I don’t think we can afford to drop too many more points and our home form is going to be massive. There is a good feeling around the club again so let’s see where it takes us.”