WIMBORNE Town boss Matty Holmes believes “workmanlike” Bideford will provide a stern test for his side at Cuthbury.

Victory over the Robins on Saturday (3pm) would see Magpies leapfrog the Devon outfit in Southern League West, with two points separating the teams at present.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: “It will be a really tough game because I rate Bideford quite highly.

“This season I thought they would be one of the sides that would definitely get promoted, if not be a definite play-off contender.

“They are very workmanlike and experienced with a couple of good young lads in there as well.

“We have to be focused all round and all our players have to play to their potential.

“I think it’s going to be a really exciting three months for all the teams concerned in those top areas.”

Goals from Luke Burbidge and James Stokoe helped Holmes’s side to a 2-1 win at Bideford in September.

Wimborne are set to be boosted by the return of top goalscorer Toby Holmes but Ben Walker is unavailable and Luke Holmes serves the final game of a suspension.

Magpies are 10th in the table but only three points adrift of fourth-place Winchester City.