WIMBORNE Town boss Steve Cuss is sweating on the fitness of talismanic striker Mark Gamble ahead of their eagerly-awaited FA Trophy clash with Oxford City.

Leading goalscorer Gamble was forced off with a groin injury during Magpies’ 1-0 win over Mangotsfield United yesterday and is a major doubt for the first-round tie.

Gamble, who has spearheaded Wimborne’s club-best run in the competition by netting five times, is almost certain to sit out Wednesday’s trip to North Leigh in Southern South & West.

Cuss is hoping an intensive course of treatment will boost the Ulsterman’s chances but knows Gamble is facing a race against time with just six days to go before the big Cuthbury showdown.

“Mark is a major doubt for Wednesday and it is very unlikely he will be involved,” said Cuss, who is also without suspended playmaker Jamie Davidson against Oxford City. “We will try to get him fit for Saturday, if possible.

“I think his chances, with a bit of treatment during the week, will look better but, often, pulled muscles and strains can take a couple of weeks so he will be touch and go.

“It is the way it has been for us all season. We have a small squad and, when you get a couple missing, it gives others opportunities. A couple of players will step in against North Leigh and try to cause me a problem in terms of picking the team for Saturday.”

George Webb’s finely-taken fourth-minute goal against Mangotsfield saw Wimborne maintain their push for a play-off place following a fourth league victory in their past five games.

Cuss added: “In many ways, this win gave me as much pleasure as beating AFC Hornchurch in the FA Trophy the previous week.

“It was a really difficult game against a strong and experienced side and we had to dig in and show our defensive qualities. I was delighted we managed to match them physically and kept a clean sheet.

“We have spoken about the importance of not letting the cup run get in the way of other matches and all the credit goes to the players for remaining focused.

“The players are enjoying the games and training and it is a happy environment to be around. 

"We are all looking forward to the Trophy but it is important we keep trying to win games in between and we have since the last round I am so absolutely delighted with that.”

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Oliver, Maybury, Costello, Blake, Griffin, Kemble, Webb, Gamble (Lupton, 65), Stokoe. Unused subs: Brimson, Roast, Biles, Field (g/k).