MATTY Holmes admitted the key to Wimborne Town's Southern League South survival could be defensive improvements.

Magpies, who are two points above the bottom three, face a four-game battle to beat the drop, starting with Saturday's trip to Harrow Borough (3pm).

The Cuthbury club have conceded 74 goals in the division this season – only relegated Staines Town have shipped more.

Manager Holmes told the Daily Echo: “We have done so well to get to where we are at this point. With all the problems we’ve had this season, with the late promotion and start to the league, I think we should be proud as a club about where we’ve got to.

“Now it’s time to get the results. We have the firepower but now we have to keep clean sheets, which will be the key for us. All the players have to work hard to stop the goals from going in.”

While Harrow's season is effectively over, the Magpies boss is not expecting the London outfit to roll over.

“No one can help you at this level," he said. "You have to rely on yourselves.

"We need to somehow get some belief into the squad, which we’re desperately trying to do."

Holmes is set to have Carl Pettefer, Sam Bayston and James Stokoe available after the Dorset Senior Cup final defeat against Poole Town, while Toby Holmes could overcome an ankle problem.