WIMBORNE Town were left to cherish a vital three points earnt in difficult circumstances, as the Southern League Premier South strugglers beat fellow relegation-threatened side Tiverton 1-0 with 10 men – and a defender in goal.

Dan Bartlett’s 20th minute strike eventually proved the difference between the two teams, but the opener must have felt eons ago after Magpies had to hold on to their lead for over an hour with centre-half Billy Maybury in goal.

Gerard Benfield was given his marching orders shortly after the half-hour seemingly for dissent, and with no goalkeeper on the bench, Stokoe and Wimborne’s coaching team were left scrambling for a replacement.

Describing the events of the afternoon, Stokoe told the Daily Echo: “I think it started off quite a nervy affair between two teams that are down near the bottom of the league.

“Both teams had a few half chances, then we retained possession high up the pitch, won it back in good areas, at that point we had bodies in and around the box and, we found Barts (Dan Bartlett) around the back to score a good volley. It was pleasing to take a good lead at that point.

“It was tough to watch. Not an ideal situation – we didn’t have a keeper on the bench.

“ You’re then just putting it out to the lads ‘who wants to go in goal’ and hoping to keep them at bay.

“I’ve seen that they had 22 shots – I don’t think a lot of them were particularly on target when Billy (Maybury) was in goal.

“So, we’ve done well to help him out and defend as well as we could. It’s not a good situation to be in.”

Billy Maybury’s brother Matt is the club’s goalkeeping coach, but Stokoe admitted he didn’t know if being a goalkeeper was a shared attribute between the brothers.

“Matt Maybury is the goalkeeping coach at present. With how much experience does Billy have in goal?

“I don't know, but he was one of three that put their hands up and I just felt that he's quick, so if he can play as a bit of a sweeper keeper behind, it might allow us still to try and get up the pitch best we can and still try and cause a problem on the counter.”

Magpies held on to record a precious win in the league – with victory lifting them above Merthyr to second from bottom.

Whilst Benfield will be available for the midweek trip to Hayes & Yeading, Stokoe told the Daily Echo that the club would not be appealing the decision, with the Magpies boss revealing he didn’t see the events leading up to the dismissal.

“I think it's gone down as foul and abusive language towards the referee,” continued Stokoe.

“To be honest, I didn't really see it - I saw we'd won a free kick and then I can just hear a couple of people on the bench shout at Gerard to walk away.

“Next thing I know, I'm being told that he's just been sent off. As far as I’m aware we can’t appeal it, and now, we’re on the hunt for another keeper, you know, to cover a two-game ban.”