SHAUN Brian’s hotly-disputed winner earned Wimborne Town a crucial 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Abingdon United at the Armadillo Energy Stadium.

Brian marked his Magpies debut by heading home a Matt Kemble cross in the 61st minute – and started celebrating as the hosts appealed in vain for a foul on their goalkeeper.

Victory – the first for either club this year – saw Magpies halt a nine-match winless run and took them nine points clear of bottom-placed Stourport Swifts, visitors to Cuthbury in five days.

Boss Steve Cuss said: “Micky Hubbard took a short free-kick to Matt Kemble and he crossed. It was a looping ball and Shaun went up with the goalkeeper. There were claims for a foul but, for once, a decision went our way and maybe we had a little bit of luck.”

Defender Brian, who is dual registered with Christchurch, settled a dour contest in favour of the visitors to all but end Wimborne’s Division One South & West relegation fears.

Cuss added: “We have played a lot better in games this season and not got a positive result. It was a real scrap. It was a magnificent result in our circumstances and I was delighted for the players.

“But we are not going to accept that we are safe because there are still a few games to go. We are looking to put together a run and Stourport is another vital game for us.”

Magpies: Ackerman, Arnold, Cole, Roast, Brian, Hill, Bajandouh, Hubbard, Kemble (Webb, 80), Jeffes (Cook, 75), Davidson (Magookin, 85). Unused subs: Hunt, Fisher (g/k).