WIMBORNE Town are up against it when they host underperforming Truro City at the New Cuthbury this evening (kick-off 7.30pm) – with James Stokoe’s side hampered by injuries and COVID cases.

Preparation for Magpies’ trip to Poole last weekend was interrupted by last-minute positive results. Wimborne were then handed an even tougher blow during the game when Dan Strugnell was stretched off after falling awkwardly on his knee.

Despite recent additions to the squad since the recent takeover, manager Stokoe revealed that current absences meant he had fewer players available to him than he did prior to the investment.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Stokoe stated: “Everyone keeps on saying we've got a big budget now.

“Except for we haven’t - it's just that it's just gone up to where other clubs were at the start of the season.

“So, we're still playing catch-up, you know, trying to recruit a few more experienced players.

“We came into (the Poole game) with three or four out with COVID. We lost one on the way to the game with another positive test.

“We've now lost Strugs with an injury for a period.

“So, we may have a little bit more money now, but it's tough to get players in.

“We've lost more players than we've gained from the Poole game in recent weeks compared to what we've brought in.

“We're in no better position than where we were two or three weeks ago at the moment.”

There is small respite in the fact that despite his dismissal during the defeat to Poole, Bouwe Bosma’s suspension kicks in Saturday.

Truro were one of the Southern League’s best sides over the previous two curtailed seasons, but the Cornish club are miles off pre-season predictions of a promotion fight, with the White Tigers currently sitting in 14th.

Despite any perceived underperformance, Stokoe is wary of Magpies’ next opponents.

“It’s a really tough game,” continued Stokoe.

“Truro possibly not in the league position where they'd like to have been or thought they would be but, you know, they are a very good side.

“They were top of the league last year, they are no mugs.

“They’re a good side, now we’ve got to assess where we’re at player wise, and see where we are for Tuesday’s game.