MANAGER Matty Holmes admits he is facing a tricky selection dilemma ahead of Wimborne Town’s clash with runaway Southern League Division One South & West leaders Hereford.

Magpies visit Edgar Street on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over AFC Totton six days ago when Holmes was forced to field something of a makeshift team.

A combination of injury and suspension saw versatile skipper James Stokoe fill in at centre-back, while Carl Preston was drafted into midfield – with both playing their part in an accomplished team display.

Wimborne, who travel to fifth-placed Taunton on Tuesday, suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Hereford at Cuthbury in October with the Bulls now 21 points clear at the summit.

Holmes, who has defender Sam Davidson available following suspension, said: “We know James Stokoe can drop in at centre-back and do a job for the team because that is him all over.

“We have a good team spirit. We had to shuffle the pack against Totton but, wherever they play, they know their roles and responsibilities, which is fantastic. If you’ve got that in the squad, you’ve got a chance.

“I was really pleased with some of the football we played against Totton and it has given us something to build on with two really tough fixtures coming up.

“By rights, these boys deserve to play at Hereford and that is the reward really because it is probably the biggest game of the season, in front of a huge crowd.

“It is going to be a tough selection, that’s for sure. We did well against them at home and took the lead twice before losing 3-2.

“We know they are strong. That is why they are at the top of the table and have only lost once at home. We will go there with a game plan. I know they have a lovely playing surface, which will definitely suit us.”

Wimborne, who are currently 11th, will be without midfielder Billy Lowes after parent club Weymouth vetoed a move for him to extend his loan spell into a second month.

Lowes, who joined Magpies on a month’s loan at the start of January and netted once in five appearances, was a surprise inclusion in the Weymouth squad for their 3-0 defeat at Slough on Tuesday.

Terras boss Jason Matthews said: “Billy is going to stay with us and will be in the squad on Saturday.

“He is raring to go and we are pleased he is back with us. Billy has been superb and is still only 19-years-old. I need competition and a bit of hunger and I need that to continue.”