MATTY Holmes was happy to see star striker Toby Holmes get off the mark for Magpies and is backing him to live up to his high expectations.

The former Parley and Dorchester Town frontman took only 11 minutes to open his account for the Southern League West campaign, helping his side to a 3-1 win over Bishops Cleeve on the opening day of the season.

Having fired 31 goals in the division last term, manager Holmes is confident the talented frontman can cement himself as one of the league’s big hitters.

Asked about the striker, the Cuthbury boss told the Daily Echo: “I think he is the highest goal scorer in this league that has stayed.

“I think the three or four above him have moved on to different leagues, so he really is the top striker in the league at the moment.

“He is having to deal with a little bit of pressure and expectation of scoring those goals again but he is a very loveable character, just takes things in his stride and he loves his football.”

Toby Holmes is set to be involved as Wimborne make the trip to Didcot Town in league action tonight (7.45pm).

Didcot, who were beaten 1-0 at Bideford in their league opener on Saturday, finished 12th in the division last season, one place and three points below Magpies.

Asked about their opponents, Holmes added: “We believe they play good football. I know they have added to their squad as well.

“It will be a game where we will go and enjoy it. We have got that first win under our belts, which is nice, so we can go there with freedom and enjoy ourselves.”

Magpies (from): Benfield, Hartley, Penny, Davidson, Maybury, Oldring, Francis, Stokoe, L Holmes, Kellaway, T Holmes, Mogg, Cann, Lovell, Bayston, Walker.