JUBILANT manager Matty Holmes described as a “real relief” Wimborne Town’s historic first victory at the third time of asking in Southern League South.

Magpies, beaten in their first two games at step three, clawed back a 2-0 deficit to see off fellow newcomers Harrow Borough 5-3 at Cuthbury yesterday.

Goals from ex-Cherries apprentice Ryan Moss and Michael Bryan gave the visitors a two-goal cushion after 30 minutes with Toby Holmes halving the deficit before half-time.

Jack Lovell’s penalty restored parity seven minutes into the second period before Boro’s Mark McLeod saw red for a foul on Curtis Young.

Sam Davidson fired Magpies ahead for the first time after 66 minutes before Boro were then reduced to nine men following the dismissal of Shaun Preddie for a challenge on Luke Burbidge.

Young marked his full debut with a goal in the 80th minute and Holmes took to four his tally for the season by completing the scoring after George Moore had made it 4-3 late on.

Victory helped Magpies erase the memory of their opening-day defeat at Farnborough and the chastening midweek reverse at the hands of Dorchester at Cuthbury.

Boss Holmes told the Daily Echo: “It was a real relief. The boys worked so hard and we got a reaction after the Dorchester game which is all you can ask as a manager.

“We went 2-0 down and were really unfortunate. The first goal was a cross which deflected through bodies and came at a time when we were playing well.

“We were matching them physically and were working hard. Louis Kellaway was unlucky with the second goal. He tracked back brilliantly but kicked the ball straight to their forward who slotted it away.

“But we didn’t let it beat us up and scored just at the right time before half-time. We regrouped and the lads knew we could get something out of the game, which was really positive.

“Defeats are tough and we know we can compete at this level. Dorchester was a disappointment for me because we didn’t win second balls and they were just too quick and sharp.

“But you have to take it on the chin and it was great to bounce back. We will always compete and it is just a case of trying to get positive results now.”

Magpies were handed an unexpected promotion following the withdrawal of Shaw Lane from the Northern League, while Harrow Borough transferred from the Isthmian League.

Asked what he had made of step three so far, Holmes said: “It is intense and physical. If you don’t compete for 90 minutes, you are going to be in trouble.

“You cannot have a five or 10-minute spell where you switch off because you will get punished.

“We have let in 10 goals in three games but have scored as well. In those short spells when we have switched off, we have been punished.

“You are playing better players in every game. The boys are going to learn and they might learn the hard way sometimes but they will learn.”

Magpies: Benfield, Tallack (Penny, 65), Lee, Davidson, Arnold, Kellaway (Stokoe, 75), Maybury, Young, T Holmes, Burbidge, Lovell. Unused subs: Walker, Shepherd, Bradley.