WIMBORNE Town boss James Stokoe has labelled his side’s clash with Tiverton Town as “probably one of the biggest” games of Magpies season.

Currently Stokoe’s side prop up the Southern League Premier South table, with their visitors on Saturday slowly slipping into the relegation battle after reports they cut their budget.

Since beating Wimborne at their Ladymeade home in October, Tiverton have only won once in 10 league games. Whilst Magpies’ form isn’t much better, Stokoe believes the game serves as an opportunity for Wimborne to reignite their survival bid.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Stokoe said: “Of course it is (an opportunity.) Their form has not been as good as it was recently.

“They're just hovering a little bit above the relegation zone now, so obviously it's a big game Saturday.

“Probably one of the biggest we've played this season with their form at the moment and us being the home team.

“It gives us an opportunity to go and get three points and if we want to get out of where we are, the Tivertons and the Kings Langleys, the Merthyrs – there the teams around us, are the ones that we need to be going and winning now.

“Saturday's almost a must win game for us know.”

Wimborne’s last win came three games ago against Gosport, but Stokoe believed his side showed signs of recovery in the defeat to Taunton last weekend.

The Magpies boss believes if his side can cut out individual errors, they are well positioned to win at the weekend.

“Taunton, they've got big budget,” continued Stokoe.

“They've got some very good players, we went and watch them against Dorchester last week.

“We worked during the week on how to nullify a couple of their players which caused real problems to Dorch and the game plan worked.

“Just unfortunately for us, you can't legislate for a player making an error. Unfortunately, that happened on two occasions.

“They've got two goals from it - that's why players are at this level, Taunton capitalised on their errors. If don't give those two soft goals away, you come away, possibly with 1-1 draw. You’d take that anywhere in the league.

“Disappointing - would have been a nice point if we could have got something but, we've got to help ourselves by improving on individual errors in games.”

Jack Torniainen was recalled back to Eastleigh due to a long list of absences, but Stokoe revealed there is a possibility the full-back could return to the New Cuthbury.

“We're expecting him back. Braggy (Tom Bragg) has gone back permanently, but Jack at the moment is still with us.

“(Eastleigh) have had quite a few covid cases, few injuries and suspensions in their Camp. He was on the bench on Saturday away at Notts County in the FA Trophy.

“I believe he was involved again with them Tuesday night, but I think there's a possibility that he could be back with us on Saturday.”