WIMBORNE Town boss Matty Holmes declared himself content with a point at lowly Barnstaple Town despite second-half penalty agony.

Magpies led 1-0 at the break in the Southern League West clash thanks to James Stokoe's well-taken opener following a measured pass from Jack Lovell.

However, Barum skipper Jed Harper-Penman levelled matters midway through the second half when he converted Lloyd Gardner's cross.

The visitors had the chance to snatch victory following a foul on Luke Burbidge in the box but Stokoe found the upright with his spot-kick.

It was tough luck on Wimborne, who extended to seven games unbeaten their run of form while keeping hold of sixth place in the league table.

Reflecting on the trip to Devon, Holmes told the Daily Echo: "The lads worked really hard. It was a difficult pitch, we were playing against a team fighting for their lives and it was a very aggressive game.

"We lost here last season and got beaten up but we didn't get beaten up today, we showed real resilience and played when we could.

"We went 1-0 up through a quality goal from Stokesy and I was disappointed we didn't defend better in the build up to their goal.

"Although we missed a penalty to win it, I think it was a point gained.

"Stokesy was gutted. He wanted to put the penalty low because if he had tried to put it high he would have slipped as the pitch was so wet.

"He stroked the ball and it hit the inside of the post, which is just one of those things. You have to be pleased with our form and that we have kept our run going.

"Barnstaple didn't really deserve much out of the game and we played the better football. Away from home and having made a long journey, I'm happy with a point.

"We are chipping towards the 58 points which we want to get. We are on course to beat last season's record which is really important for us."

One difficult moment for the visitors saw Matty Oldring in the wars after he was on the end of a robust challenge during the first half.

Oldring had to change both his shirt and shorts due to the blood which poured from his nose after he was clattered.

Holmes added: "It was a bad challenge. The lad elbowed him and got a yellow for it.

"It looks like he has broken his nose. Blood was spurting everywhere. It was a poor challenge.

"Blood went on his top and his shorts and he had to come off for treatment so we were down to 10 men for 10 minutes while he was getting cleaned up."

Magpies: Benfield, Oldring, Lovell (Penny, 80), S Davidson, Arnold, Kellaway (Maybury, 85), Stokoe, Francis, T Holmes, Burbidge, Bayston (L Holmes, 70). Unused subs: Walsh, Cole.