MATTY Holmes drew some consolation from Wimborne Town's brave performance against Hereford following the 3-2 defeat to the Southern South & West frontrunners.

A passionate advocate for passing football, Holmes demanded his charges stay true to their manager’s principles against a side that is carrying all before it this season.

Toby Holmes twice put the Magpies in front, only for the home team to be pegged back on both occasions, before the visitors’ second-half winner.

Wimborne’s disappointment was compounded by news talismanic skipper Scott Arnold – who made his 500th appearance for the club against the Bulls – is set for a hip operation which will sideline him for the rest of the campaign.

Matty Holmes told the Daily Echo: “We stuck to what we’ve been doing all season. We didn’t want to change because Hereford were coming to town.

“Talking to their manager (Peter Beadle) before the game he felt a lot of teams change the way they play to combat them. But we stuck to our 4-4-2, tried to get players on the ball, to keep passing and move the ball, which we did well at times.”

Hereford’s first leveller arrived from the penalty spot, after Arnold was harshly judged to have fouled John Mills in the box.

“It was soft,” said Holmes. “But they’re clever, experienced lads. He’s had contact from Scotty and he’s going to go down.

“I’m not sure referees at this level can pick out those little tricks they’re not as experienced at seeing."

Despite Wimborne sitting in seventh spot after a positive start to the season, which has seen them lose only three of their 11 games, Holmes is keen to play down the growing expectations of his team.

He said: “I’ve challenged the players, regardless of who they play, to have a good tempo and dominate the ball. But we have the lowest budget in the league. There have been comments suggesting we have loads more money but we haven’t.

“All I’m asking is we work hard and play our football. Forget about league positions. We have got a points total we want to hit quickly, then, hopefully, the club will move on.”

In addition to Arnold’s impending absence, Holmes will be missing Jamie Davidson for six weeks, owing to the winger's Achilles injury.

Defender Sam Davidson, meanwhile, is nursing a hamstring problem, meaning young Cherries loanee Tyler Cordner could be handed a first start when Swindon Supermarine visit Cuthbury tomorrow.

Dan Cann could also return to the fold against the side that is fifth in the division but the forward is not expected to play more than 20 minutes.

“It’s great we’re playing games but injuries will dictate where we finish this year,” said Holmes.

"We haven’t quite got that strength in depth. The development squad needs a lot of work. That’s the bread and butter for the club. We have to focus on the development squad becoming strong so we can pick from a pool of players.

"It’s tough at the moment but we’re doing all right."