BOSS Matty Holmes insists his Wimborne Town players must keep their feet firmly on the ground as they continue their assault on a memorable double.

The Southern League West play-off chasers recorded a penalty shootout victory to see off National South Poole in the semi-final of the Dorset Senior Cup in midweek.

But before facing Shaftesbury in their first appearance in the final since 1997, Magpies have seven vital league games – with five of their next six on the road.

The punishing schedule starts on Saturday with a trip to Swindon Supermarine, the Wiltshire outfit currently two points and two places above Wimborne in sixth (3pm).

In his first managerial post, ex-Cherries star Holmes last season led Wimborne to 11th – the highest finishing position in club history.

Asked whether merely eclipsing that was still his aim, Holmes replied: “I think it has to be. I know the supporters are getting excited because they look at the table, just like the players do.

“We are around the play-off places and in a cup final but we have such a hard run of fixtures and a lot of luck will be needed along the way.

“I want the players to keep their feet on the ground and just focus on the next game and the next win. There is a lot to play for but still a long way to go.”

Holmes added: “I fancied Swindon Supermarine to go up at the start of the season. They had a shaky start, lost their manager but seem to have regrouped. They have some tremendous players and some tricky wide players.

“The Poole game was a really good test because it will be a similar type of game against them.”