BOSS Steve Cuss paid tribute to Ian Oliver’s professionalism after the experienced defender had capped a trying few days with a stunning equaliser in Wimborne’s 3-3 draw with Larkhall yesterday.

Oliver had been involved in a sickening collision which saw Magpies skipper Scott Arnold sustain a fractured cheekbone in their FA Cup win over Witheridge seven days previously.

But he came to their rescue when he scored a dramatic last-gasp leveller to salvage a share of the spoils against their Division One South & West rivals from Bath.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “What happened with the accidental collision with Scott wasn’t easy to take for Ian but he has dealt with it very well.

“Although he is an experienced player, these things can affect you but his performance was very good. He has scored twice now and both were goal-of-the-season contenders.”

Wimborne’s late show saw them claim a fourth home point of the season following a topsy-turvy encounter at Cuthbury.

Mark Gamble’s early opener was quickly cancelled out by Jamie Lyons as both teams scored in the first eight minutes of a frantic first half.

Matt Thorne edged Larkhall in front in the second half before Carl Preston restored parity with 20 minutes remaining.

However, a second goal from Lyons appeared to have won it for the visitors before Oliver’s late intervention earned the hosts a point.

Cuss added: “I can’t argue with the outcome because I felt we deserved a draw. It was a really physical battle against a good and experienced side. We had to work hard to match them so I felt a draw was a fair result.

“We were in front early but they pegged us back and we had to go right to the end to score. It was an outstanding strike from Ian on the volley from outside the box which got us a point.”

Cuss has described as “a big blow” the loss to injury of influential club captain Arnold who is set to be sidelined for between six to eight weeks after fracturing his cheekbone.

Cuss said: “It is a big blow because he is one of the first names on team-sheet every week.

“It feels like something is missing when you lose him as a player and as captain of the club.

“He will be missed while he is away but we hope he has his operation as quickly as possible and can start his recovery.”

Magpies: Harvell, Johnson (Wilson, 67), Maybury, Oliver, Costello, Blake (Turner, 84), Griffin, Clarke, Gamble, Stokoe, Preston. Unused subs: Randall, Elliott, Roast (g/k).