WIMBORNE Town midfielder James Stokoe says he is privileged to wear the captain's armband but insists he will happily hand it back to Scott Arnold when the time comes.

Stokoe assumed the mantle last month after the inspirational Arnold was ruled out for the season having gone under the knife to cure a persistent hip injury.

Former Bashley man Stokoe was skipper for Southern South & West defeats to Bishop's Cleeve and Tiverton Town, before being rested for Tuesday's impressive Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final victory over Poole Town.

On that occasion, Billy Maybury was skipper but Stokoe looks set to re-assume the captaincy when Matty Holmes's Magpies entertain Larkhall Athletic tomorrow (3pm).

And the 31-year-old is honoured to be leading Wimborne in Arnold's absence.

He told the Daily Echo: "It's a privilege and an honour to be given the armband for a period of time and, hopefully, we can start picking up a few results and start climbing towards the play-offs.

"Scotty is captain and has been since he came back under Steve Cuss. Matty, rightly, has kept him in the role and I've done it on a few occasions when he has been away or injured.

"It looks like I will possibly now have it until the end of the season when Scotty is back and I will happily hand it back to him when he returns because he is the rightful captain.

"But for now it's an honour for Matty to pick me to have it and I will do the best I can with it and, hopefully, that will be good enough."

Wimborne will go in search of their first league win in more than a month when Larkhall descend on Cuthbury.

Reflecting on the clash, Stokoe added: "They are another tough, physical side but, hopefully we can put in a performance and get a much-needed home win.

"We haven't been good enough over long periods of time at home so we need to put on a good performance for the fans."

Youngster Will Prior is set to miss out with a thigh problem with his replacement against Poole – Sam Bayston – coming through unscathed after four months on the sidelines.

Stef Penny could return from a back injury, although he may be on the bench.

Boss Holmes said: "We have to build on Tuesday night's performance. We were very organised and disciplined and showed a lot of spirit.

"We were better out of possession and looked more secure at times at the back against a good side, so we know the players have the ability."

Meanwhile, in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier, Hamworthy United take on Bashley in an intriguing-looking derby at the County Ground.

Poppies welcome Portland to Victoria Park, Verwood Town entertain Fawley and Lymington host Moneyfields.

In Wessex One, Ringwood Town make the trip east to US Portsmouth and New Milton Town face Weymouth reserves at Fawcett's Field.