MATTY Holmes believes he is facing his first major test in management following Wimborne Town’s chastening midweek defeat by Swindon Supermarine.

Magpies meekly surrendered an early lead and were condemned to a heavy 5-1 beating by their Southern League Division One South & West rivals at Cuthbury.

It came just three weeks after Holmes had presided over a 6-1 victory at AFC Totton – one of Wimborne’s biggest wins since they joined the Southern League in 2010.

Holmes, in his first managerial post having taken the reins in May, insists he will be looking for a response when Magpies visit winless Wantage Town tomorrow (3pm).

“The players have to show me a reaction,” said Holmes. “It’s a test for me as a manager after losing heavily for the first time.

“It will be interesting for me in my young career as a manager to see whether they have listened to what I have told them and what has been asked of them.”

Influential pair Luke Holmes and Billy Maybury are unlikely to be fit for the trip to Oxfordshire, while Jamie Davidson is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an Achilles problem.

Maybury joined in with the warm-up on Tuesday but is still feeling the effects of a calf injury, while midfielder Holmes looks set to be out for another week after damaging his ankle ligaments.