THE curtain came down on another Wessex League season and for Brockenhurst and Christchurch it was fitting that they fought out a competitive 1-1 draw to compliment what has been an excellent season for both clubs.

Their fortunes have practically mirrored each other all season. Both clubs started poorly, both clubs employed new managers in Graham Kemp (Brockenhurst) and Pete Moore (Christchurch) and both clubs experienced an up-turn in performances and results since the managerial changes.

It was also a time for patting each other on the back with both managers, who have had words on the odd occasion throughout the season, clearly showing that what they do have for each other is mutual respect.

"We've had our problems over the years but I think Kempy is a terrific player and he plays to his strengths all the time and I can't knock that," said Christchurch boss Moore.

"He's got success from it but we dealt with Brockenhurst today and Football-wise I thought we were probably the better side."

Moore decided that he would rest his entire first team and left Ted Johnson and Mick Ryan in charge of what was essentially a reserve Christchurch outfit, which performed heroically.

However, he insisted that this had nothing to do with the recent spat between the two clubs and that in no way was this a sign of disrespect against their New Forest rivals.

Moore added: "I wasn't trying to belittle Brockenhurst Football Club or Graham Kemp at all. We literally took the opportunity to try one or two things.

"There was nothing riding on this game, and I generally wanted to look at one or two people in a situation like this and see how they coped with it and one or two players have really surprised me.

"There wasn't one player out there today that would start in our first team if we had everyone fit.

"I thought Steve Shergold in goal showed what a quality goalkeeper he's going to be and I thought Stone at the back was outstanding and everyone just gave their all."

It was compliments all round as Brock manager Kemp was full of praise for his own side as well as dishing out niceties to his opposite number.

Kemp said: "My players are a bit down because they wanted to finish the season on a high but they can go away now and enjoy the summer and keep smiling because both clubs have done exceptionally well.

"Pete manages the same way as I do. He would have loved to have won today and I would love to have won.

"Pete's taken Christchurch from the same position we were in and if he hadn't rested a few players, I think we would have finished neck and neck."

The final league match of the season for both clubs produced some excellent football from both sides, matching the brightness of a glorious day in the New Forest.

And despite both goalkeepers enjoying a fairly quiet afternoon, the two goals that were scored were of exceptional quality.

It was Brock who took the lead in the 11th minute when Lee Winsall let fly with a superb right-foot shot from 20 yards which Steve Shergold in the Priory goal could do nothing about.

Christchurch levelled matters though with an equally good strike, coming from the right boot of Graham Dean who also netted from around 20 yards out.

The game was played in good spirits with only one booking throughout the match. And, with the Brock players turning up in fancy dress prior to the game, it was almost like a fun day.

Brockenhurst goalkeeper Iain Brunnschweiler was presented with the club's player of the season award after the game by secretary Paul Christopher.

For Christchurch the season is not yet over as they face either Winchester City or Havant in the Russell Cotes Cup final at Hurn Bridge on Thursday, May 6.

Brockenhurst: Brunnschweiler, Craig, Morris, G Kemp, Hillyer, White, Manew (Bryan 70), Williams, Winsall (N Kemp 78), Wright, Midgley. Unused sub: Day.

Christchurch: Shergold, Massie, Dand, Sykes, Moore, Kelly, Dear (Johnson 86), Stone, Laronde, Blythe, Dean (Roberts 78). Unused sub: Winn.