Highworth Town 4, Abingdon Town 2

FACING new opponents in the shape of Abingdon, who this season have made a sideways move from the Ryman League, Highworth were looking to continue their run in the GLS Hellenic League Premier Division.

The team was at full strength, with the exception of the goalkeeper.

Elliot Jackson was serving his suspension from the game at Kidlington and goalkeeping coach, Mark Turner, being unavailable meant Highworth had to recall a player of an earlier era, resulting in a 40-year-old custodian taking his place between the posts.

The first half saw Highworth take control of the game with goals from Sean Terry in the 13th minute and Nathan Holt in the 24th.

With a two-goal lead, Highworth seemed set for a comfortable win.

However, despite their command of the game, the Town failed to increase their lead by half time.

The second half saw Abingdon in a more competitive mood and the Town's two-goal lead did not look too secure.

Despite Abingdon's increasing pressure, Highworth were able to move into a three-goal lead in the 67th minute when Godley added his name to the score-sheet.

However, Abingdon were not down and out.

They struck back within three minutes with a goal by Agemano.

Sensing there could be something in the game for them, they began to put Highworth's defence under increasing pressure.

Abingdon's pressure was further rewarded in the 85th minute when Harriott put them in sight of a surprise result.

Highworth were left hanging on to their one-goal lead.

Fortunately, Highworth's defence held firm, with the bonus of Godley netting a second goal in the 87th minute to make the score more respectable.

The resultant three points helped to move Highworth slowly but surely up the Premier League to an eventual position of relative respectability.