ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town manager Rich Hunter says he has enjoyed the first half of the season since taking charge at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

Hunter was permanently placed in charge of the Hellenic League Premier Division side on August 29 following the exit of Paul Braithwaite.

And as ninth-placed Bassett go into their first match of 2017 – a visit to Ascot United – tomorrow, the manager feels that the team has responded to his tenure well.

“I’d like to think it has been a very positive start,” said Hunter.

“We have put together some good runs in the league and the squad has got the right attitude.

“The nucleus of the squad is pretty much the same from when I took charge, but I have also managed to bring in some players that I wanted.

“I think that the aim remains the same and that is a top half finish.”

Despite finishing 2016 with a 3-1 defeat to Lydney Town, the Bassett chief is hopeful that his side can get back on track in Berkshire.

Hunter was without a specialist goalkeeper during the loss to Lydney with number one stopper Curtis Meare struck down by a virus, while back-up custodian Richard Lancaster went away for New Year leaving teenager George Lance to step up and fill the void.

The Bassett boss will be hoping to have at least one of his keepers back tomorrow with Hunter targeting three points against a side that have struggled this season.

“Normally they are decent team but they have lost some players this season and they are not as strong as they used to be,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to get back on track and I think that three points are there (for the taking).

“Once I get my best XI back I know that we can challenge any team in this league.”

Meanwhile, Highworth Town will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 New Year’s Eve defeat to Tuffley Rovers.

The Elms side felt that they were the better side against their Gloucester visitors and they will be hoping that they have better luck tomorrow when they entertain Highmoor Ibis.