Goal from Fairford's Hawkins humbles Highworth (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Goal from Fairford's Hawkins humbles Highworth

FAIRFORD Town ran out 1-0 winners against big-spending Hellenic Premier championship chasers Highworth Town at Cinder Lane on Saturday, thanks to a single strike from Kenny Hawkins.

The visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring after just seven minutes when Gareth Davies hauled down Justin Miller inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Former Fairford player and ex-Cirencester Town hit-man Phil Corcoran stepped up to the spot, but home keeper James Price dived to turn the ball away.

Manager Mark Webb's Cinder Lane side carved out several opportunities, but Terry Moore and Lee Clark were both guilty of missing chances in the opening 20 minutes.

Just before the break, Justin Miller and Phil Corcoran looked more of a threat for the visitors. But after a goal-less first half, Fairford re-emerged looking to up the tempo.

Dave Toomey, formerly with Swindon Supermarine, had a chance after just 48 minutes, but miscued his shot with only the keeper to beat.

Toomey then scuffed a second chance seven minutes later after a positive run by Matty Goodwin.

Fairford got their decisive goal on 56 minutes. Slack defending saw the ball land at the feet of Hawkins who lashed his chance past Jackson from 15 yards.

After this, Highworth rung the changes with Wayne Cleverley and striker Matty Saye sent on in search of an equaliser.

Price, in outstanding form, showed just why he was named his team's player of the year 2004-5 when he pulled off an excellent save from Sean Terry on the hour.

The visitors stepped up their efforts in the last last quarter-of- an hour and were frustrated with a number of corners crosses rebuffed by a resolute defence.

A hard-working Terry Moore was replaced by Sean Carter as the pressure continued to build.

Price continued his dominance of the box in the final few minutes with several good claims and, along with his team-mates, finished the game with three well-deserved points.

Fairford Town: James Price, Gareth Davies, Matty Goodwin, Craig Reaney, Lee Clark, John Devoille, Kenny Hawkins, Ryan Lovegrove, Dave Toomey, Terry Moore (Carter), Courtney Chessel. Subs: Sean Carter, John Joyce, Jonjo Slattery.