Wimborne's Toby Holmes "too good for this level"

Unusually for the prolific striker, he was not on the scoresheet as the Magpies moved up to third in the Evo-Stik South West with a last-gasp 2-1 win at Mangotsfield yesterday.

In fact he even had a penalty saved before Luke Burbidge’s 90th-minute winner ensured Wimborne bagged all three points.

But with 51 goals to his name – including an Easter Monday hat-trick against Claridge’s Salisbury - the ex-Dorchester marksman is being tipped for higher things.

Claridge himself cut his teeth in non-League during spells with Fareham and Weymouth before going on to enjoy a fruitful career in the professional ranks.

Asked his opinion of Holmes, he said: “He was very good against us and, when you have someone like that, you always have a chance in games.

“He always looked dangerous and always looked like he was going to get into dangerous areas. He held up the ball well and was quick.

“We have played them twice and he was good on both occasions.

“He is a very good player and looks like he has a decent future in the game.

“We had Tommy Wright on loan from Sutton last season and he scored 50 goals for us. He is now doing well in the Conference, so Toby has to be comparable with that.

“Wimborne will want to keep him and he can certainly play at a higher level.

But only when you get there are you really tested.

“We know he can play at this level and that is not the issue.

“The issue is can he play at the one up from this and the one up from that and how far can he go?

“Only he will know that when he goes and does it.”