MANAGER Steve Cuss believes one of the major factors behind Wimborne Town's recent success has been the special bond among the squad.

The Magpies have won seven of their past eight games - a run which has seen them reach the first round of the FA Trophy for the first time in their history.

Victory over Ryman Premier AFC Hornchurch at Cuthbury on Saturday earned Wimborne another home draw with Oxford City set to visit Dorset on December 13.

Currently sixth in Conference North, Oxford City eased into the first round following a 6-1 thrashing of Lewes, who are two places above second-from-bottom Hornchurch.

The teams will duel for £5,000 in prize money with Wimborne's club-record exploits in the competition having already swelled the coffers to the tune of £12,450.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “We don't want to talk about resources but we've got an exceptionally small squad and that has galvanised us. We work really hard on the training field to try to get things right for matches and there is a real bond between the players.

“They all get on really well socially off the pitch and you can see the camaraderie and fight they have in certain situations on the pitch. I am delighted the cup run has come along and it hasn't affected us so far in the league. We have been winning games in and around the cup matches as well.

“We've got a really busy period coming up and, ultimately, you are judged on your league form come the end of the season but we are going to enjoy the cup run and look forward to the next round.”

Wimborne return to action tonight when they host Western League Premier Division outfit Sherborne Town in the quarter-final of the Dorset Senior Cup (7.45pm).

Despite a congested fixture schedule, Cuss says he does not intend to rest any of his senior players as the Southern League Division One South & West Magpies bid to justify their favourites' tag against a team from one level below.

Cuss added: “We are winning games at the moment and, when you are in that position, you want to keep winning them. There may be one or two changes in the line-up but this is the quarter-final of another cup competition and we want to win it and progress.”

Wimborne have reduced admission prices and entry will cost £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, while under-16s will be free. Also in the Dorset Senior Cup tonight, Hamworthy Rec travel to Weymouth (7.45pm).

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Maybury, Costello, Biles, Oliver, Brimson, Blake, Griffin, Webb, Stokoe, Lupton, Davidson, Kemble, Gamble, Field.