BOSS Matty Holmes labelled as “horrendous” Wimborne Town’s eight-game schedule in August and insisted a professional would not face such an arduous month.

Magpies completed game six on Wednesday when they lost 1-0 to Alresford Town in an FA Cup preliminary round replay, Geoff Dunn’s extra-time goal enough to see the Wessex Premier underdogs through at Arlebury Park.

There is little respite for Holmes’s troops, though, with an away trip to Yate Town in Southern South & West next up tomorrow followed by a home clash with Winchester City on Monday.

And the Cuthbury manager, whose professional career took in spells at Cherries and West Ham United among other clubs, believes his players have it tough this month.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: “We’ve got eight games in August so it’s a horrendous schedule. You wouldn’t ask a pro to do that.

“The pros have the chance to rest and relax but these boys have to get up in the morning and go plastering.

“We have got to try and protect the players a little bit if we can.”

Holmes has injury concerns over Sam Bayston, who was forced off against Alresford with a foot problem, and Jamie Davidson, who has been carrying a niggling ankle complaint.

Magpies: O’Flaherty, Penny, Arnold, S Davidson, Bayston (J Davidson, 22), Hester, Maybury, Kellaway, L Holmes, Stokoe, T Holmes. Unused subs: O'Sullivan, Leonard, Randall, Benfield (g/k).

Verwood Town boss Gavin Reeves insists he will never be happy with his playing squad – unless he becomes manager of Spain or Real Madrid!

Reeves will tonight hope to end a run of three league defeats and guide Potters to their first victory of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier season at 17th-placed outfit Fawley.

He said: “I’m always looking to improve the side.

“Unless you are the manager of Spain or Real Madrid you are never satisfied – you always want to improve your team.”

Lymington Town are also in action under lights and will aim to follow up their 2-0 win at Andover New Street in the Hampshire Senior Cup with three points at Sholing.

In Wessex One, Friday football is on the menu at Christchurch, with Ollie Cherrett’s men set to lock horns with Shaftesbury at Hurn Bridge.

Priory have won just one of their opening four league games while Shaftesbury already have three wins on the board.

Tomorrow, Tom Prodomo’s Bashley team will aim to continue their positive start to the campaign when they take on Andover Town at Bashley Road.

Hamworthy United host Newport and Brockenhurst welcome Horndean, while Poppies – still seeking their first league win – travel to Whitchurch United.

Ringwood Town and New Milton Town are away to AFC Stoneham and Downton, respectively, in Wessex One.