MATTY Holmes has thrown down the gauntlet to his Wimborne Town players to bank the club's highest finish in Southern South & West.

Magpies currently sit 13th in the standings with 18 games remaining, just one spot below the berth they occupied at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

That 12th-placed effort, secured under the direction of Steve Cuss, was Wimborne's best finish but boss Holmes reckons his players have the potential to do better.

He told the Daily Echo: "The boys have got a challenge to get to 45 points as soon as possible and then we will speak to the group about where we go next.

"We have to remember what happened last year so there will be no running before we can walk.

"But it would be lovely if we could finish our highest position in the Southern League. Is that realistic? I don't know, it's up to the boys.

"It's about how they apply themselves because they have got the potential.

"It will be tough because the teams above us are very experienced and anything from 14th upwards would be a great effort, and then we can build."

Wimborne will have Toby Holmes, Ben Walker and Paddy Hester available for tonight's home clash with 16th-placed Paulton Rovers (7.45pm).

Billy Maybury's suspension is yet to kick in but James Stokoe is doubtful with a back problem and Connor Cocklin is out.

Matty Holmes added: "Paulton have got some dangerous players and they beat Shortwood at the weekend.

"In this league, nothing is a given. People are telling me it's one of the most competitive leagues for years.

"It will be another tough game and the boys will have to be on it."