DAVID Elm insisted his Wimborne Town cameo was just a one off despite keeping a clean sheet in Magpies’ 3-0 success at Paulton Rovers.

The 32-year-old Bashley goalkeeping legend was forced into early retirement last season following a prolapsed disc.

Elm reluctantly called time on his distinguished non-league career after nearly 400 appearances at the Recreation Ground.

But after a call from ex-Bash physio John Edwards, now with Wimborne, Elm was persuaded to step in following injuries to both Cuthbury keepers Jason Harvell and Dan Ackerman.

Stopper Elm returned to action on Tuesday night and helped Magpies claim their first Southern League clean sheet of the season as they climbed to second in Division One South and West.

Elm told the Daily Echo: “It was just a one off because I struggle if I play numerous games, but I can handle playing a game here and there.

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought about returning and I have concentrated on working and helping out at Swanage, which is quite local for me.

“I really enjoyed it but I am feeling it now and would have to leave it a while before playing again. My injury is quite a dodgy one so I can only turn out every now and then.”

Elm, who was a key part of Bashley’s South and West title success in 2007, admitted that he suffered from a few pre-game jitters.

He said: “I was quite nervous before the match and I don’t usually get like that. I felt a bit rusty but as soon as we started, I got back into it.

“There were a few shots to save in the opening exchanges but most of them were straight at me. It was quite surreal to be playing again but it was really good fun.”

Wimborne cruised to victory at Winterfield Road in a fixture they lost 7-0 last season. Jon Blake scored just before half-time before George Webb and substitute Steve Smith netted after the break.

Elm added: “They came at us but we held together and scored at pretty much the perfect time after a good spell. The game opened up after that and we defended properly before going on to win .”

Wimborne boss Cuss added: “David’s performance was excellent. We are really grateful to him for helping us with our injury crisis.

“Overall, it was a good away performance. We were solid, controlled the game and created a number of chances.”

Cuss is hoping to have keeper Ackerman available for Saturday’s trip to Clevedon Town.

Magpies: Elm, Arnold, Cole, Peprah-Annan, Costello, Blake, Gill, Hubbard, Jeffes (Smith, 16), Davidson (Kemble, 85), Webb. Unused subs: Sainsbury, Maybury, Roast.