WIMBORNE were left to rue a third penalty miss in a row as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow strugglers Taunton Town on Saturday.

Jamie Davidson’s 17th-minute spot-kick was turned around the post by veteran Paul Edwards in the first half, much to the frustration of Magpies boss Steve Cuss.

Cuss told the Echo: “It was a good save – Jamie hit it down low, but we seem to be having a bit of a problem with penalties at the moment.

“It is good on our part that we are winning the penalties, which are rewards for our attacking play. It is what we’ve been working on, so we’re pleased with that outcome.”

Jason Harvell was forced into the only other save of note in the first half, somehow clawing Darren Rice’s dipping effort out of the bottom corner right on half-time.

Wimborne came out for the second half with fresh impetus, creating several openings, but were caught on the break when Rodney Marsh blasted home from 18 yards eight minutes after the restart.

The Magpies fought back and deserved their equaliser on the hour – Ryan Wignall converting Jordan Cole’s left-wing cross at the far post.

The home side pushed for a winner, but gradually ran out of steam, and were relieved to see Jon Vance clear the crossbar for Taunton when it looked easier to score in the closing stages.

A point apiece seemed a fair result, but Cuss felt that his side deserved more from the match.

“Once again, like the past four or five weeks, we were pleased with the performance and, in the long run, performances will win you games,” said Cuss.

“I was disappointed they scored at the time they did because we came out well and I counted six shots on goal in about seven minutes. But they broke on us and scored. Overall, Jason Harvell only had to make one save and it was a pretty dominant performance from us.”

Cuss added that he was happy to sign his new contract last week in a deal that takes him up to the end of the 2012-13 season.

He said: “It shows the board appreciate the work I am doing here. We were under no illusions when we came in and it was a tough job in the summer with only three players remaining.

“We have gradually built up a squad that can compete at this level and all I can say is a big thank you to the board. The contract shows they are fully behind me and it is much appreciated.”

Loanee Tom Hill has returned to Bashley and goalkeeper Harvell misses tomorrow’s trip to Didcot through suspension.

Cuss revealed he was on the look out for new signings this week to return his squad to a full complement of 16.

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Cole, Roast, Jamison, Peprah-Annan, Webb, Cook (Jeffes, 68), Kemble, Davidson (Cream, 78), Wignall. Unused subs: Hill, Magookin, Ackerman (g/k).