BOSS Matty Holmes remained upbeat despite his Wimborne Town charges squandering the opportunity to claim three points at North Leigh, writes Jack Tanner.

Magpies had returned victorious against the same opposition in the FA Trophy preliminary round a week previously.

But on this occasion they could not replicate the same outcome – even though they were awarded two penalties at Eynsham Park on Saturday.

Toby Holmes both missed and scored from the spot during the encounter. His converted effort was cancelled out by a second half free-kick from Sam Mendes to ensure the points were shared in a 1-1 draw.

Manager Holmes told the Daily Echo: “Overall, I was delighted with the majority of the performance. In the first half we controlled the game and generated a few chances.

“The penalty for our goal came from some nice build-up play in the box but Jack Lovell was taken out.”

Striker Toby Holmes stepped up to convert the first spot-kick on 39 minutes, sending Wimborne into the lead.

The visitors remained on top during the second half and were then awarded another chance from 12 yards.

Lovell was in the thick of it again, as, after being teed up by Luke Burbidge, he was felled in the area for a second time.

Toby Holmes stepped up once more, but this time failed to beat North Leigh keeper Manny Agboola, who produced a sharp save to keep the game in the balance.

And it was Mendes who earned the hosts a point.

His free-kick on the edge of the box beat visiting keeper Gerard Benfield to ensure the contest finished level.

“The missed penalty really galvanised them,” manager Holmes added.

“Their tails picked up and they were chucking men and the ball forward for the final 20 minutes. I felt we were more than capable of keeping them out but they were given a soft foul on the edge of the area.

“On reflection we were perhaps a little disappointed we didn’t get all three points but it was another good showing from the lads.”

The draw with North Leigh means Magpies are now four games unbeaten in Southern League West.

Holmes added: “The boys are buzzing at the moment.

“Toby is a bit down about missing the penalty but I have no doubt he’ll bounce back. I’m just delighted at how well the boys have performed in recent weeks, as well as their performance all season.

“We’ve yet to put in a bad showing – even when we’ve lost we haven’t been outclassed at all.”

Wimborne host Cinderford Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Magpies: Benfield, Penny (Oldring, 60), Maybury, Arnold, Davidson, Kellaway, Stokoe, L Holmes (Bayston, 80), T Holmes, Burbidge, Lovell. Unused subs: Francis, Walker, Cole.