MATTY Holmes expressed his anger at an “awful” challenge on Jack Lovell during Wimborne’s 1-0 win at Swindon Supermarine.

Callum Parsons was given his marching orders by referee Ed Turner for a reckless tackle on the Wimborne ace during the second half at Webb’s Wood Stadium.

Holmes saw his pro career reduced by a challenge from Kevin Muscat which broke his leg while playing for Charlton against Wolves in February 1998.

And he admitted his relief after seeing Lovell come away relatively unscathed.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was an awful challenge and I am very passionate about things like that because that’s how it ended my career – with a broken leg that way.

“I think their player mostly grew frustrated because the game wasn’t going for him.

“You can’t condone it at all. The referee was spot on. There was a melee and our lads went over and made sure they protected Jack.

“Luckily, I think Jack read the situation. If he had his standing foot on the ground there could have been huge damage.

“Jack is a robust boy and, luckily, he is okay. He has a bruised shin but he should be alright.

“You forget football at that stage – it’s not important. It’s about the lad’s livelihood, especially at this level. It affects your life and that’s why I got upset. The decision was spot on and we don’t want to see that in the game.”

Playing 10 men for the final 17 minutes of the Southern League West encounter, Wimborne took advantage and broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.

After Toby Holmes had been fouled, he picked himself up to score his 26th league goal of the campaign. Victory saw Magpies leapfrog Supermarine and climb to fourth spot.

Boss Holmes added: “Possibly a draw would have been a fair reflection on the game but we got the penalty.

“Toby created a little bit of space inside the box and was judged to have been taken out. I think they felt it wasn’t a penalty and the lad had nicked the ball.

“I was in the dugout on the other side so couldn’t really see. I saw very close contact and the referee had no hesitation. Whether the lad got the ball or not, I don’t know.”

Magpies: Benfield, Maybury, Hester, Oldring, Davidson, Kellaway, Francis, L Holmes (Walker, 67), T Holmes, Burbidge (Stokoe, 83), Lovell (Penny, 90). Unused subs: Arnold, Cole.