MANAGER Steve Cuss refused to blame Wimborne Town’s striker shortage for Saturday’s 3-1 setback against Tiverton Town.

Magpies were without marksman Mark Gamble for the clash with his replacement Matt Kemble forced off after just 20 minutes having taken a heavy blow to the foot.

The match had ebbed and flowed but a fine individual effort from Jimmy Hinds three minutes after half-time set Tivvy on their way, with James Mudge’s brace putting the visitors in control.

Cuss shuffled his pack and Jamie Davidson pulled one back for the hosts after his initial shot had cannoned off an opponent but it was too little, too late as Wimborne’s four-match unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end.

The Cuthbury boss admitted his side’s lack of potency had proved decisive but stopped short of pointing the finger at Lady Luck.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “Tiverton’s finishing was excellent and their goals were worthy of winning the game but we created a number of chances ourselves, so I was pleased with the overall performance.

“We lost Matt (Kemble) early on and without Mark (Gamble) that was quite damaging to our cause but I would never want to use that as an excuse.”

On Kemble’s injury, Cuss added: “He went for an X-ray and, thankfully, it only showed tissue damage.”

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Maybury, Oliver, Costello (Lupton, 67), Blake, Griffin, Davidson, Webb, Kemble (Powell, 20), Stokoe. Unused subs: Brimson, Biles, Field (g/k).