IN a far from convincing performance, Highworth defeated Cricklade 2-1 on Saturday to move into the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup.

Played on a hard and uneven pitch and in a strong wind, a tie that was delayed a week failed to produce anything worth writing home about.

The opening 15 minutes or so indicated that the Highworth hosts were failing to produce their usual rhythm of smooth passing and control.

Whether as a result of the conditions, the team's shape or some other deep-seated reason was not easily evident.

But when the Highworth passing broke down on 19 minutes, the visitors were presented with a gift-wrapped chance which was taken with aplomb.

And Cricklade, realising that they were in with a chance, upped their work-rate, denying their opponents any clear scoring chances and occasionally troubling Town's defence.

Highworth's only real chance of the first half was a powerful, left-foot shot from Paul Cooper which whistled across a gaping goal.

The second half, with Highworth now having the advantage of the wind, began somewhat disastrously with Jamie Mills needing to take an early bath.

As a result, the Town's chances looked rather less likely than before, until an early free kick from just outside the penalty box showed that Highworth has a potential free kick specialist in the person of Paul Cooper.

With an excellent 'bend it like Beckham' free kick, he put the hosts on level terms.

It was at this point that Cricklade began to experience the difficulties of playing against the wind and of their earlier work-rate.

Even so, Highworth appeared incapable of producing their usual composure, and thoughts of extra time and penalties were looking an all too obvious scenario.

Fortunately for Town, Wayne Cleverley, released by a clever pass down the right wing, made a low cross from near the goal-line which Justin Miller converted with a diving header.

It is best to a draw a veil over the remainder of the game, particularly as Highworth suffered another red-card incident.

This most certainly will not aid them in their remaining league fixtures and the forthcoming Senior Cup semi-final.

In this Saturday's league match away to Didcot Town, Highworth will need to rediscover their composure and discipline on the one hand and, on the other, their team shape, movement and the passing game.