JASON Harvell has hailed goalkeeping coach Clive Saunders as one of the unsung heroes of Wimborne Town’s impressive start to the season.

Highly-respected Saunders was drafted in by Magpies boss Steve Cuss over the summer to work with Harvell and Dan Ackerman at Cuthbury.

And his efforts have helped the pair play a major role in Wimborne climbing to fifth place in Division One South & West of the Southern League and into the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy for the first time in their history.

Ackerman, who saved a crucial spot-kick during their penalty shootout win over Banbury in the Trophy in midweek, has played the lion’s share of games due to injury to Harvell.

Harvell, who started both games against Banbury before being forced off by a groin problem in the replay, told the Daily Echo: “Ackers has improved immensely and a lot of it is down to having proper coaching from Clive.

“He trains us twice a week and also goes through a thorough warm-up before games. In terms of his technical ability and confidence, Ackers has improved 10-fold.

“I have been working with Clive since I was 10 and all the good things for me I would put down to him. He is a brilliant coach and we both thoroughly enjoy training with him. He came in to spark a bit of competition between us and to get us both playing to the best of our ability.”

Harvell faces a late fitness test ahead of Wimborne’s Cuthbury clash with fellow high-fliers Cirencester Town tomorrow (3pm).

The 26-year-old hit the comeback trail against Banbury six days ago when he made his first appearance of the season after recovering from knee surgery.

However, he was replaced by Ackerman after 90 minutes in the replay, with Harvell looking on as his team-mate starred in the shootout.

“It has been a frustrating season for me,” said Harvell. “I had been biding my time and trying to get fit. It took a little longer than I had first hoped but the knee is strong again now. I was pleased with how it reacted during the Banbury games and then my groin started playing me up. Hopefully, it will settle and I will be available for selection.”

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Cole, Peprah-Annan, Brian, Blake, Gill, Hubbard, Jeffes, Davidson, Smith, Maybury, Webb, Sainsbury, Kemble, Costello, Roast, Ackerman.

  •  Table-topping Poole Town travel to fourth-placed Evesham.