BOSS Steve Cuss lauded the influence of elder statesmen Wayne Crutcher and Scott Arnold after Wimborne Town had professionally put to the sword fellow strugglers Wantage.

Carl Preston lit the blue touch paper with his 11th goal in 18 matches for the Magpies after less than a minute with returning playmaker Jamie Davidson, utilised as the spearhead of a three-pronged attack, all but sealing the spoils on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was full of endeavour but the resolute hosts, marshalled expertly by linchpin Crutcher, ensured chances were in short supply before substitute Morgan Turner made sure of the precious yield with 10 minutes to play.

The 3-0 victory saw Steve Cuss’s men moved out of the Southern South & West drop zone on goal difference courtesy of their first league win since August.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “I thought we deserved it. We got off to a great start in the first minute which gave us that little bit of confidence to kick on.

“To score goals in the first and last minutes of the half really helped us to control the game and I was pleased with the clean sheet. We have let in too many goals this season, we know that, so to shut them out was really important.

“Wayne hadn’t played for a long time when we signed him but even in his first couple of games, we saw glimpses of what he would be able to offer us and I thought he was outstanding.

“His talking, covering and the way he attacked the ball was excellent and long may that continue. We will keep working on things and hopefully, the defensive side is something we can keep improving on.”

Cuss continued: “We are not going to get carried away or start thinking we have turned the corner. We have been punished for a few mistakes this season and the young players will learn from them.

“But they can’t help but benefit from a bit of experience and Scott coming back was another massive plus for us. Being without a player like that for six weeks makes life difficult and that’s no disrespect to anybody those who has taken his place.

“When you have a small squad, you need your experienced lads so people like Wayne and Scott are vital for us.”

Meanwhile, Cuss is still waiting for a definitive long-term prognosis on top scorer Mark Gamble’s foot injury.

“Mark had his scan on Friday and goes back to see the consultant this week to see what the damage is,” he added.

“We will know then whether he needs an operation or whether it can be managed through physiotherapy and rehabilitation."

Mapgies: Harvell, Arnold (Randall, 86), Crutcher, Holmes, Maybury, Blake, Griffin, Davidson (Roast, 90+3), Stokoe, Wilson, Preston (Turner, 79).