GOALKEEPER Jason Harvell felt Wimborne Town's ability to cope better with the woeful weather had been crucial to their wind-assisted win.

Experienced stopper Harvell made some crucial saves as the Magpies claimed a 1-0 victory over Shortwood United at a rain-soaked Cuthbury.

Steve Cuss's men adapted well to the atrocious conditions last night to register a first home success in six Southern League matches.

Keeper Tom King was credited with a 29th-minute own goal after the visitors' failure to clear a Micky Hubbard corner had sparked an ugly scramble as the ball got caught up in the wind.

Discussing the Division One South & West clash, Harvell told the Daily Echo: “The wind wasn't too much of a problem defensively but when it is hammering with rain as well, you can't really see a lot.

“After about half an hour, I was wet through and my gloves did not really grip as they were covered in mud. It was just a bit of a lottery and you had to hope for the best.

“In terms of the strength of the wind, it really battered us back in and, at times, we just couldn't get out. But we tried to keep playing. I thought we dealt with it fairly well.”

Wimborne took the lead before then twice being denied by King as he produced decent saves from Hubbard and George Webb.

With a fierce wind against them after the break, the hosts were indebted to Harvell as the former Cherries trainee brilliantly grasped an Ashley Thomas header which had appeared destined for the bottom corner.

Shortwood's Ross Langworthy hit the post with the goal gaping before the lively Webb had an effort controversially ruled out late on.

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Case, Costello, Peprah-Annan, Blake, Sainsbury, Hubbard, Smith (Moth, 60), Kemble (Davidson, 70), Webb. Unused subs: Maybury, Jeffes, Ackerman (g/k).