WIMBORNE Town skipper Scott Arnold wants the Cuthbury class of 2014 remembered for their own achievements rather than compared with the club’s former heroes.

Defender Arnold will tomorrow lead Magpies into battle when they lock horns with Conference North outfit Oxford City in the first round of the FA Trophy (3pm).

Wimborne, who started out in the preliminary round, have already claimed two higher-level scalps on their way to banking £12,450 in prize money from the competition.

And another £5,000 will be up for grabs when the Southern League Division One South & West Magpies host City, who are 48 places above them in the non-league pyramid.

Wimborne, who had endured some lean years in cup competitions until this season’s FA Trophy run, famously lifted the FA Vase in 1992 and reached the first round of the FA Cup during their days in the Western League in the early 1980s.

Long-serving captain Arnold, who is in his second spell with the club, told the Daily Echo: “It is going to be a proud moment to lead out the team in such a big game. It is a great occasion for the club and games like this don’t come round too often so you can’t let them pass you by.

“In recent times, the club’s Vase win has been a monkey on the back for a lot of Wimborne players. It was a massive achievement and a memorable one for our supporters. We have to stomach a few shouts about it when things aren’t going our way but that is all part of it!

“It is impossible to compare the FA Vase and the FA Trophy. This is the furthest the club has got in the Trophy so we have created our own bit of history. We are really proud of what we have achieved this season and anything else would be even more of a bonus.”

Arnold, who has made more 400 appearances for the club and was one of boss Steve Cuss’s first signings as manager four years ago, added: “The turnaround has been fantastic. We struggled in our first couple of seasons in the Southern League but have started to establish ourselves at that level.

“We are also having a cup run at long last and have paid back the club a bit. As players, we are all getting a cut of the winnings so everyone is benefiting. We have done brilliantly to get this far and this is a game we can enjoy and give our best shot.”

Wimborne, beaten 1-0 in the league at North Leigh on Wednesday, are sweating on the fitness of leading goalscorer Mark Gamble who is hoping to recover from a groin injury.

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