BOSS Matty Holmes admitted Wimborne Town were “gutted” after a “freak” goal ensured they were beaten 1-0 at Kings Langley.

Veteran marksman Rene Howe tucked home the all-important winner after the pitch at Sadiku Stadium deceived Magpies stopper Gerard Benfield during the second half.

Explaining the pivotal moment, Holmes told the Daily Echo: “The lads were absolutely superb.

“Just one freak goal decided the whole contest. We were absolutely gutted after all the work we put in. We thoroughly deserved to come away with at minimum a point.

“The ball went through and Gerard came out to clear it. It hit a bit of turf, jumped up over his foot and their lad went in to tap it in.

“You can’t blame Gerard. He was in a good position to come and clear – there was no danger.

“Even their coach after, who I know quite well, said ‘you were robbed, really’. But it’s the way it’s going at the moment.”

Defeat left Magpies 14th in the table, five points clear of the drop-zone with six league games remaining.

Magpies: Benfield, Penny, Maybury, Davidson, Oldring, Pettefer, Stokoe, Young (Bayston, 88), T Holmes, Burbidge, L Holmes. Unused subs: Lee, Owen, Collins (g/k).