MATTY Holmes has warned his Wimborne Town players not to expect an easy ride when the Magpies face lowly AFC Totton tonight (7.45pm).

Wimborne’s flying start to their Southern South & West campaign was checked slightly by Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Mangotsfield United.

But while a glance at Totton’s lowly position would suggest the trip to Testwood Stadium offers the Magpies a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways, Holmes is anticipating a stern test.

He told the Daily Echo: “If you are not on your game in this league it doesn’t matter who you are playing, you will struggle. I have learned very quickly that if you don’t set up right and don’t have the right attitude, you will have a hard time.

“The Totton game will be tough. It’s my first real derby, as such. A few of the boys know each other, so it will be an interesting game.”

Holmes is banking on his eighth-placed side summoning their customary response to any setback when they encounter Totton, beaten 2-1 at Shortwood on Saturday.

“We’re looking for a reaction,” said Holmes. “Whenever we’ve had a blip this year we’ve always had a good reaction from the boys.”

The manager also indicated new signing Jack Lovell had impressed sufficiently in the course of a weekend cameo appearance to earn a starting berth at Totton.

“Jack has a great chance of playing,” added Holmes. “He came on and did very well on Saturday, he looked really lively on the right-hand side.”