WIMBORNE Town boss Matty Holmes was content with his players' efforts during the 1-1 draw with AFC Totton in Southern League West.

Matty Oldring’s soaring header early in the second half earned Magpies a share of the spoils after Nathaniel Sherborne had fired the visitors ahead in the first period.

Reflecting on the result, Holmes told the Daily Echo: “In the second half we got on top of the game and were perhaps the team in the ascendency, so maybe there’s slight disappointment we didn’t get all three points.

"However, I think Totton shaded the first half, so it was a fair result. They are a top-six side and much transformed from last year. We’re just glad to continue our unbeaten run.”

Magpies’ unbeaten streak has coincided with the return of talismanic captain Scott Arnold, who received praise from his manager following his return from a long-term injury.

Holmes said: “Scott has been fantastic. With more than 500 games behind him, he is experienced and when he’s injured, his knowledge of the game is a big miss on the pitch.

“Since he’s come back he’s been tremendous and that’s contributed to the run we’ve had.”

Holmes confirmed Poole Town loan ace Luke Burbidge would continue to play for Wimborne for at least the next month.

The funds freed up by Dan Cann's move to Hamworthy United had no bearing on Burbidge's situation, according to the Cuthbury boss.

Holmes said: “Luke is staying for another month and that was never going to be affected by Dan Cann. Dan had to leave due to family reasons, there’s less travelling with Hamworthy and perhaps better pay.

“We’ve only got 16 in the squad so it’s a very light squad, meaning I have to try to bring in another player.

“We struggle to get players in anyway, because Wessex League teams in the area pay better than us. We can’t attract players from this level so, we have to look at the even lower levels and find players who want to progress.”

Although a solid start to the campaign has left Magpies on the brink of the play-off spots, Holmes is not dreaming of a top-six finish just yet.

He added: “I'm not interested in the playoffs at this stage – I just want to get to 35 points like we said last year. When we get to that point, we can start looking up the table.”

Magpies: Benfield, Arnold, Penny, Maybury, Oldring, Kellaway, Stokoe, L Holmes, T Holmes (Bayston, 85), Burbidge, Lovell. Unused subs: Francis, Walker, Davidson.