BOSS Matty Holmes admitted star striker Toby Holmes was “devastated” not to be featuring in tomorrow’s Dorset Senior Cup final.

The clinical frontman will not be called on against his former club Poole Town at Dorchester’s Avenue Stadium (7.45pm).

Toby Holmes has played through the pain barrier in recent weeks while nursing an ankle problem in a bid to keep Magpies in Southern League South.

And with his side just two points above the bottom three, manager Matty Holmes told the forward he would not be risked against Dolphins.

He told the Daily Echo: “I told Toby after Saturday and he’s devastated. He wants to play but he is carrying this injury and we have to protect him.

“His ankle is so taped up at the moment, he can hardly move it.

“We love the Dorset Senior Cup but we have to remain safe (in the league) and protect the boys we feel are going to help that.

“You have to see common sense and the bigger picture for the football club in what we are trying to do.”

Defending champions Wimborne, who beat Shaftesbury Town 7-0 in last season’s final, will also be without midfielder Franklyn Clarke.