WIMBORNE Town’s start to the season took another turn for the worse as influential goalkeeper Jason Harvell suffered an injury in their 1-0 defeat at Thatcham.

The Magpies, victims of an FA Cup giant-killing against Wessex outfit Hamworthy United on Saturday, were beaten in the Southern League by Thatcham last night.

Adam Wallace’s fine fifth-minute volley proved enough to overcome the Magpies in the Division One South & West clash.

And boss Steve Cuss was also left concerned by a groin strain sustained by number one Harvell, who was replaced by Dan Ackerman on 77 minutes.

Cuss told the club’s official website: “It is too early to determine how serious the injury is but, at the moment, Jason must be a big doubt for Saturday.”

Manager Cuss made changes following Magpies’ FA Cup defeat as he handed starts to Billy Maybury, Adam Costello and Matt Kemble.

He added: “I was pleased with our performance. All the players did well throughout the 90 minutes. We were beaten by an amazing goal.”

Magpies: Harvell (Ackerman, 77), Arnold, Maybury, Costello, Brian, Blake (Stokoe, 71), Davidson, Hubbard, Kemble, Gamble, Griffin (Webb, 71). Unused subs: Whitley, Roast.

  • Bournemouth Poppies’ nightmare opening to the 2013-14 campaign continued as they were knocked out of the Wessex League Cup with a 2-1 home defeat, after extra-time, at the hands of Hythe & Dibden. Poppies have lost all six of their league matches so far this term.
  • In the Wessex Premier, Bemerton Heath Harlequins hammered Christchurch 5-1. Graham Mankin hit a hat-trick for the high-flying hosts.