BOSS Matty Holmes insisted it had been a "no-brainer" for ex-Football League goalkeeper Rhys Evans to sign up with Wimborne Town.

A former England under-21 international, Evans's professional career took in spells at a string of clubs including Swindon Town, Blackpool, Millwall and Bradford City.

The stopper won promotion to the Championship with Blackpool in 2006-07 after making 32 appearances for the Seasiders during the League One campaign.

Following a recent stint as goalkeeping coach at Hereford, Evans relocated to the south coast.

Although Southern Premier outfit Weymouth were interested in signing him, Evans elected to join the lower-division Magpies. And he is due to be in the squad for the trip to Paulton Rovers in Southern League West on Tuesday.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: "We've signed Rhys as cover for Gerard Benfield. With him being based in the Bournemouth area, it was a no-brainer to get involved with us.

"He has to work Saturdays and the odd Sunday so he has warned us his commitment will not be 100 per cent. But he is willing to play games when he can and wants to train to keep his eye in.

"Peter Beadle (Hereford boss) has a high regard for him and the fact he cannot commit fully isn't so bad because we have Gerard.

"I've got to have a bit of a chat with Rhys to find out what he wants to do long-term but he's signed for us and will be in the squad on Tuesday."

Wimborne head into the clash with Paulton having avoided defeat in five of their past six league games, with a 3-0 win over injury-hit Swindon Supermarine on Saturday helping their cause.

Playing against a strong wind, the hosts survived an early scare when Ryan Campbell's cross-shot rebounded off the post.

And Wimborne made the most of their luck when they opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Toby Holmes finishing coolly following James Stokoe's through ball.

That was how it stayed until 13 minutes from time. Loan ace Luke Burbidge sent the ball into a dangerous area and Marine's Jack Alexander sliced into his own net in attempting to clear.

In the dying embers, Toby Holmes put the polish on victory when he rounded goalkeeper Josh Hill and tapped home, following more good work from Burbidge.

Boss Matty Holmes added: "The result was very pleasing. Swindon are a good side and the conditions had a huge effect on the game – the wind was awful.

"It was our first clean sheet and the boys showed huge desire and work rate throughout.

"Nicking a goal in the first half, against the wind, was absolutely crucial as it gave us something to hold on to.

"We didn't play our best football but everyone worked hard and you cannot ask for much more."

Magpies: Benfield, Maybury, Cole, Arnold, Oldring, Kellaway, Stokoe, L Holmes (Francis, 89), T Holmes (Bayston, 89), Burbidge, Lovell (Penny, 84). Unused subs: Walker, Davidson.