DANNY Holmes believed his Wimborne Town charges deserved more from their 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Truro City after Tony Lee suffered penalty pain in the closing stages.

Truro goalkeeper James Hamon dived high to his left to push Lee’s spot-kick away from goal in second-half stoppage time and dump Magpies out of the cup at the first hurdle.

The visitors were dealt an early setback when James Ward converted a header from a corner to open the scoring in the 13th minute.

Wimborne rallied to get back on level terms midway through the first half thanks to Sam Bayston before Stewart Yetton restored the White Tigers’ lead after the break.

The Cuthbury club were handed a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot but striker Lee failed to capitalise.

After a hectic week off the field, which saw Matty Holmes leave his role as Wimborne manager to become community and academy director of football, Danny Holmes insisted he could not fault his side’s efforts.

Danny Holmes told the Daily Echo: “I thought we did really well. The whole mentality and attitude of the team was fantastic.

“We competed well with them and we had them on the back foot at times.

“We counter-attacked and all round it was a fantastic display. As a minimum, I think we deserved a draw and the opportunity to take them on in a replay.

“A few decisions from the officials were poor. There were two or three situations that stopped us from getting a draw. The mentality of the boys was unbelievable. They went out there and were brave on the ball. Off the ball we were resilient.

“The early goal was silly, with them scoring from a corner but after that the boys all defended fantastically and we caused them a lot of problems.”

Following Ward’s goal, Wimborne striker Kieran Roberts had to be replaced by Lee in the 18th minutes due to a back injury.

Magpies found a way back into the game, with Bayston slotting home a low cross from Luke Burbidge to double his tally for the season after netting in the victory over Walton Casuals last time out.

Substitute Yetton capitalised on a moment of confusion in the Wimborne defence to net Truro’s second.

Billy Maybury thought he had offered an instant response when he slotted home past Hamon, however, he was denied by the referee after discussions with his linesman.

Magpies continued to pile on the pressure and got their reward with the penalty award but Lee watched on as Hamon showed sharp reflexes to stop his effort.

Discussing Bayston’s step into a starting berth, Danny Holmes said: “He has been a substitute all season and coming on here and there.

“It could be frustrating for him but he was on our minds and he deserved a chance. The goal was a real class finish. I was really pleased for him because his all round game has been good.”

Magpies: Plain, Penny, Maybury, Davidson, Poole, Pettefer, Young, Clarke, Roberts (Lee, 19), Burbidge, Bayston (Prior, 87). Unused subs: Stokoe, Walsh (g/k).