Highworth FC preparations should stand them in good stead (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Highworth FC preparations should stand them in good stead

HIGHWORTH Town's preparations for a new Hellenic Premier season, under the guidance of manager John Fisher and coaches Dave Webb and Andy Woollen, have shown much evidence of that hoped-for improvement in the club's 2004-5 campaign.

Relying largely upon the playing staff of last year, and strengthened by some astute signings, the programme of pre-season friendly matches has indicated that results should be more consistent this time around and that the Town is likely to feature prominently in the various competitions.

Results of the matches played to date are as follows: v New College (home) won 6-0, v Stratton (home) drew 1-1, v Finchampstead (home) won 3-0, v Backwell United (away) won 4-2 and v Purton (home) won 3-1. Highworth were due to play their final friendly against Cirencester United at The Elms last Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the Reserves, who play in the Hellenic League Reserve Section Division 1, will be represented by a youthful team.

They may take some time to settle, but will continue to play attractive football, being part of the youth development programme of the club.

The FA Cup extra preliminary round has paired Highworth at home to Falmouth Town, which is probably the longest trip to be made by any side in the early rounds.

Thistie on Sunday, August 29 - the switch is necessary due to conditions applied to the Elms Rec from the 1926 gift of the field to the Town Council by the Highworth Cricket Club - will, it is hoped, produce a good influx of spectators to assist in the defraying of the costs of Falmouth's journey.

In the FA Vase, Highworth has been drawn away to Larkhall Athletic with the game set to be played on Bath City's Twerton Park.

League matches are to commence with a trip to Pegasus Juniors this Saturday (August 21, 3pm ko) with the club set to play their first home game against Abingdon United on Tuesday, August 23, 7.30pm ko.

Highworth Town's junior sides return to training during next week with their home matches scheduled to be play at Southfields and Warneford Schools, thanks to the co-operation of the respective headmasters.