MATTY Holmes hailed the impact of defender Matty Oldring on Wimborne Town's impressive season.

Heading into Saturday's home clash with Barnstaple Town, Magpies are one point short of last season's club-record tally of 57 at Southern League West level.

Boss Holmes believes Oldring has been a key component of the play-off chasers' success following his arrival from Dorchester Town 12 months ago.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: "I think we wanted to build on last year and just stay out of the bottom four or five!

"I've possibly been surprised with our consistency. That was our challenge because last season we weren't consistent enough.

"I think Matty coming into the back four has made a huge difference to us. He has been a big presence and we have got some stability there.

"There is a long way to go but we just need two points to get to our target."

With the transfer deadline having passed, Holmes pledged to give youth a chance should his resources become depleted.

He said: "If we get hit with injuries, we will go into our development squad and young lads will come in.

"Maybe other clubs would have signed two or three players to try to get up but we will carry on what we are doing."