MATTY Holmes called on Wimborne Town to "look at the bigger picture" after crashing out of the Southern League Challenge Cup against lower-league Bideford.

Luke Holmes gave Magpies a half-time lead in the third-round tie, but Bev Palmer levelled for the Robins before Joel Randall netted in stoppage time.

Wimborne made seven changes to the starting XI from the defeat at Salisbury.

And boss Holmes said the test against Southern League Division One South Bideford provided vital game time for his less experienced charges.

"If Toby (Holmes) had started it might have been a different game, but I have to look at Saturday and juggle the squad," said Matty Holmes.

"We have to be careful with the players and look at the bigger picture. We have got to survive in the league this season.

"The cup gave me a chance to look at players, who I can't start in the league, against a quality side in Bideford.

"It was a great opportunity to see Steve Flynn, Rhys Owen, Jordan Lee and Kieran Douglas," said Holmes.

"There were a lot of positives. We dominated the first half and deserved the lead.

"You want to win the game and go through but it was not to be."

Magpies: Collins, Shah, Lee, Davidson (Douglas, h-t), Maybury, Francis, Stokoe (Clarke, 57), L Holmes, Flynn, Young, Owen (Burbidge, 65). Unused subs: T Holmes, Benfield (g/k).