CHRISTCHURCH'S nine-match unbeaten league run came to an end at Hurn Bridge as clinical Thatcham chalked up an impressive 4-1 win.

Andy Leader's side, whose only previous league defeat came at Bournemouth Poppies in August, were left shell-shocked after a game which Leader insisted could have gone either way.

He told the Daily Echo: "It sounds stupid to say it after we've been beaten 4-1 at home, but it was a game we really could have won.

"They were clinical with their chances, while we missed some really good opportunities, which could have made all the difference."

After falling behind midway through the first half.

Dave Midgley produced a superb strike to level matters soon afterwards.

The former Brockenhurst man controlled a high ball brilliantly before beating two challenges and rifling a shot past the Thatcham goalkeeper.

But despite confidence being high in the dressing room at the interval, it was Thatcham who had all the answers as in the second half.

Leader said: "If anything, we were a bit cavalier and lost our discipline a bit.

"At half-time the boys were on a high and I think some of them just expected to go out and steamroller them.

"But you cannot do that against good sides."

Midgley had an excellent chance to equalise for Priory when they were 2-1 down after good work from substitute Dave Roberts.

But Thatcham immediately responded with a swift break to make it 3-1 and sealed the game with a late penalty.

Leader said: "It might have been very different if that one had gone in. But from being where it should have been 2-2, it was suddenly 3-1 and almost game over."

He added: "I'm sure some people will be saying 'the bubble has burst' but we will take it on the chin and I'm sure we will bounce back."

Priory: Barfoot, Wells, J Atkins, Hodder, Hughes, Czastka, Till (D Roberts, 65), Crutchley, Lawrence, Sotoudeh, Midgley. Unused subs: Ballett, S Atkins, Moores, Kelly.