WIMBORNE Town manager James Stokoe admitted he approached the Dorset Senior Cup defeat to Hamworthy United last night with Magpies’ upcoming six-pointer with Tiverton in mind.

Former Magpies Lee Francis and Jack Lovell did the damage as Wessex Premier outfit Hamworthy secured their place in the Dorset Senior Cup final with a 2-1 win at the County Ground, with Regan Mason’s equaliser 10 minutes after the break eventually counting for nought.

With a huge opportunity for Magpies to boost their survival chances on the near horizon, Stokoe opted to rest players and give minutes to those that needed it in order to be best prepared for Saturday’s big game.

The rotation also allowed the former Bashley and Eastleigh midfielder to take a look at the club’s youth players.

Speaking after the game, Stokoe told the Daily Echo: “Saturday's our main priority. It was good to give some of the young lads another opportunity against a good side.

“We started the game with three of our development players on. It was a good opportunity to change a few people out, change both centre-halves from Saturday as well.

“So, there was five or six changes in there at least, and it was a good opportunity to get minutes into some people that needed it, and to see where the young lads are with their development.”

In a game where neither side dominated, Stokoe believed that Hamworthy’s mentality gave them the winning edge. However, Wimborne’s manager was pleased with some of his sides’ play at times.

“I’m pleased with periods of it, there was a little bit of a spell in the first half, a good spell at the start of the second half, but I think ultimately the tempo wasn't there from us,” continued Stokoe.

“The desire to get on the end of things and defend things was stronger in their camp than it was ours.

“They defended well, they got good blocks in.

“At the other end they had the desire to try and get on the end of something and that's what (Jack) Lovell has done to get his goal at the end.”

Wimborne host fellow strugglers Tiverton Town at the New Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm kick-off) with victory near essential if Stokoe and his charges have any hope of retaining their Southern League Premier South status.