JUBILANT manager Steve Cuss handed all the plaudits to his players following one of the momentous victories in Wimborne Town’s recent history.

The Magpies came from behind to see off higher-level opposition in the shape of AFC Hornchurch to book their place in tomorrow’s first round draw.

FA Vase winners in 1992, the Dorset outfit reached the first round of the FA Cup during their days in the Western League in the early 1980s.

However, this win over the Ryman Premier strugglers saw Cuss’s class of 2014 continue an FA Trophy run which has helped end some lean years in the cups for the club.

Jamie Davidson’s double – his first a 40-yard wonder goal – coupled with strikes from Sam Griffin and Mark Gamble also took Wimborne’s winnings in the competition to a cool £12,450.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “I am absolutely delighted. For a club our size to get through to the first round proper is a magnificent achievement and all the credit goes to the players.

“They were terrific to a man. It was a battling first-half performance and a strong, physical second-half display. They deserved everything they got.”

Davidson cancelled out Michael Malcolm’s 57th-minute opener when he netted with a sublime 40-yard lob after Hornchurch goalkeeper Sam Mott had raced off his line to close down Gamble.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of defender Frankie Curley for a second yellow card, with Sam Griffin firing Wimborne ahead from the resultant free-kick.

And although Martin Tuohy restored parity with 15 minutes remaining, Davidson poked the ball through Mott’s legs to give Magpies the lead in the last minute before Gamble ran from the halfway line to complete the scoring in stoppage time.

“Clinical finishing was the difference and the quality of our goals was exceptional,” added Cuss. “We needed to get back in the game quickly after falling behind to a team from a higher level and Jamie’s goal was outstanding.

“He lobbed the goalkeeper from fully 40 yards and had to do it over three defenders. That goal gave us the belief that we could score and the second goal was crucial as well.

“It was a tight decision whether it was a penalty for a foul on Billy Maybury but was awarded outside the box. Subsequently, one of their players showed a bit dissent and was sent-off. It was a great strike from Sam and, at 2-1 up against 10 men, the odds were in our favour. But I’ve got to give credit to Hornchurch because they came back and forced the equaliser.

“There was real belief we could win it and two goals late on capped a great day and a great finish. We fought hard and it was fitting reward for the players for the effort and work they have put in from day one of pre-season.”

Asked who he would like in the draw, Cuss replied: “There is the opportunity for a cup final for us if we draw a plum Conference team away, someone like Torquay or Bristol Rovers.

"But there is also that side of me that would like a home draw because Cuthbury is a tough place to come and it would be great for our fans to see the first round tie.”

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Oliver, Maybury, Costello, Blake, Griffin, Davidson (Lupton, 90), Kemble (Webb, 60), Gamble, Stokoe. Unused subs: Brimson, Biles, Field (g/k).