Hellenic Div Two West

Bourton Rovers 3

Highworth Town Reserves 1

EIGHT teams are pushing for the Hellenic Div Two West title this season and Bourton Rovers made things even tighter at the top by beating Highworth Town Reserves who started the day second in the table.

Rovers put the pressure on early and didn’t allow a young but talented Highworth team to settle.

Neither side had a clear opening during the first half-hour but in the 32nd minute Josh Fielding opened his Bourton account with a tap-in after a delightful ball was whipped into the box by Dan Smith.

Fielding’s second followed two minutes later as he burst on to a through ball and calmly slid it past the onrushing keeper.

The half finished 2-0 with Rovers well on top.

The second half was not 10 minutes old when Rovers captain Craig Gilson scored a thunderous header from a Danny Way corner.

Rovers then sat back and looked happy to take what they had but this allowed Highworth to get some possession and in the 68th minute keeper Kevin Goodwill – returning after three months out – pulled off an excellent save.

However, Highworth struck in the 72nd minute after the defence failed to clear and the ball was calmly put away by the away team.

The game finished with both teams creating chances and 17-year-old Alex Winter made a couple of excellent solo runs for Rovers as his development continues to pick up pace.

Manager Scott Powles said: "I was delighted with the team's desire never to give up and also with Josh Fielding for the two goals on his full Rovers league debut.

"I'm working hard to strengthen the squad over the next few weeks and looking forward to blooding talent from Rovers' in-form second team who are unbeaten in the league this season."

Bourton Rovers' next game is at home to in-form Faringdon Town on Saturday, November 11 (2.15pm). Another for the diary is the away tie at Didcot Town Reserves on Tuesday, November 14 (7.45pm) in the Bluefin Hellenic Challenge Cup.