GLS Hellenic League Premier Division

Highworth Town 1, Didcot Town 3

HIGHWORTH'S clash with the FA Vase winners carried an agenda.

While Highworth sought to show the class of champions, Didcot had much to prove after losing the 2004-5 championship by one point.

Didcot, twice losers to Highworth last season, believe they lost the championship on a technicality - playing an ineligible player.

There were early alarms at each end but the game settled, with Didcot attempting to dominate.

Highworth, showing improvement on recent form, came to terms with Didcot's challenge.

However, in the 18th minute, Highworth's lack of pace in defence was cruelly exposed.

A speedy attack by Didcot, down their right, ended with an accurate cross to the head of Stuart Bevan who, under no pressure, headed powerfully past Elliott Jackson.

Highworth, stung by this reverse, started impressing but their work-rate never matched their opponents' and goal chances were rare.

There was another calamity when the defence was again exposed in the 36th minute, this time down Didcot's left wing.

Andy Parrott converted the final cross with a downward header.

Despite Jackson's sterling attempt, the ball crept in at the right-hand post to put Didcot two up.

To their credit, Highworth refused to buckle under the pressure and began showing their mettle.

Stuart Bellinger scored in the 43rd minute, giving Highworth everything to play for in the second half.

Manager Fisher's half-time talk saw Highworth continue to believe in themselves.

They carried the game to Didcot, putting the away defence under considerable pressure but they were unable to draw level.

Highworth's defensive problems consequently resulted in Campbell scoring Didcot's third in the 66th minute.

On balance, this was an improvement by Highworth who showed signs of returning to last year's form.

Highworth will play the Southern League Premier Division's Tiverton Town in the FA Challenge Cup 2nd Qualifying Round this Saturday.

Tiverton are two stages above Highworth in football's pyramid and are also previous FA Vase winners.

With their eyes set on reaching the First Round proper of the FA Cup, Tiverton sent scouts the Didcot game.

With Tiverton's reputation of being well supported, home and away, a good gate is expected at The Elms.

Highworth's two recent league defeats makes last year's success look like a one-off.

They consequently need a good run in the FA Vase, Wiltshire FA Senior Cup and Hellenic League Cup if their reputation as a quality side is to be maintained.

Highworth's youth policy shows signs of bearing fruit.

Players and parents show enthusiasm at training sessions and matches.

With team coaches engaged in gaining FA coaching qualifications, the future appears bright.

Youth team results - U7s v Stratton Juniors, won 7-1; U8s v Stratton Youth, won 3-0; U12s v Greenmeadow B, lost 4-2.