MATTY Holmes praised the success of Southern League South rivals Taunton – and claimed Wimborne could take inspiration from their approach.

Table-toppers Taunton on Saturday travel to KoolPak Stadium (3pm) to test themselves against Magpies’ impressive home record.

The Peacocks lead the division by six points just eight months after they romped to the Southern League West title.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: “We have a lot of respect for Taunton. Last season, they went up as champions at a canter and we did well against them.

“They reinforced this season and kept the group together. At the moment, they are rightly top of the league.

“They have kept continuity over the past two-and-a-half seasons and are similar to us with a tight-knit group. As a club they are somebody we can look at and try to follow in their footsteps.”

Wimborne sit fourth in the form charts with four wins, one draw and one defeat from their past six matches.

Boss Holmes admitted signings made during the season had helped improve results.

“We arrived in the league late and faced eight tough games at the start,” said Holmes. “We had to strengthen and the players we brought in made a big difference.”

Billy Maybury is unavailable for the Taunton clash after he was sent off at Staines.