WIMBORNE Town boss Matty Holmes will be hoping for the right response when they host Southern League Division One South & West rivals Taunton Town tonight.

The Magpies surrendered their unbeaten start to the campaign when they went down 2-0 at Evesham United on Saturday.

Defeat came on the back to two encouraging victories, a 4-1 hammering of Bishop’s Cleeve at Cuthbury on the opening day followed by a hard-fought 1-0 triumph at Paulton Rovers.

Taunton, last season’s beaten play-off finalists, have won two of their first three games and head to Cuthbury on the back of a 3-1 victory over Salisbury (7.45pm kick-off).

Reflecting on Wimborne’s start to the season, manager Holmes said: “We’ve made a good start.

“We did well in our first game of the season and then had a great result against Paulton.

“There was a blip in the game against Evesham but you’ve got to be happy with the start we’ve made.

“It will be interesting to see how the team responds to the blip. I’ve got to be pleased with the start of the season.”

Taunton were out to prove a point after missing out on promotion and started with a 3-0 win at Shortwood United on the opening day.

They suffered a shock loss at the hands of Barnstaple Town before going fourth following their win over Salisbury.

Holmes added: “It will be a difficult game as Taunton finished third last season and are one of the favourites to go up this season.

“With our fixtures against Paulton and Evesham, it’s been a very tough start to the season but I’m hoping the boys will respond.”

Wimborne host the Peacocks with a near full-strength squad and Holmes said: “There’s a doubt with Jamie Davidson as he rolled his ankle in pre-season. Otherwise, there are no other injuries.”

  • Hamworthy United will face a stern test when they visit Sydenhams Wessex Premier table-toppers Blackfield & Langley.

The Watersiders have netted 11 goals in their first three games to justify their tag as favourites for the title.

Hammers, who will play their FA Cup tie against Brockenhurst at the Badgers’ Grigg Lane headquarters on Saturday, picked up their first point of the season thanks to a 1-1 draw at Horndean.

Bashley will be aiming to regain some momentum when they host Newport.

Tom Prodomo’s men suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 3-2 to Team Solent on Saturday. 

Brockenhurst, with four points from their first two games, will attempt to end Amesbury Town’s perfect record when they travel to Bonnymead Park.

Poppies will be hoping to break their win duck when they host Horndean.

In Wessex One, Ringwood, who have started with successive draws, visit second-placed Laverstock & Ford, who have scored 12 goals in two games.

New Milton will look to maintain their unbeaten start when they host Folland Sports at Fawcett’s Sports Ground, while Christchurch will aim to get off the mark at AFC Stoneham.

All matches kick off at 7.45pm.