HELLENIC LEAGUE: Fisher admits his side could face the drop (From Swindon Advertiser)

HELLENIC LEAGUE: Fisher admits his side could face the drop

6:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

JOHN Fisher believes that only the bottom two in the Hellenic Premier will suffer relegation, and admits that both his Highworth side and former club Shrivenham are favourites for the drop.

Theoretically none of the bottom four are safe from slipping down to a lower league, but Elms chief Fisher reckons that the pattern of recent seasons will continue to be followed with certain clubs earning a reprieve.

Highworth are second-bottom and a point from safety according to Fisher's model, with the ex-Supermarine chief convinced his side need to jump up one more spot to ensure they avoid playing Division One West football next season.

“Not being rude but I think Shrivvy might not be looking favourites to get out of it, but if you're going to be honest, neither are we,” said Fisher.

“I'd say there are about seven teams fighting to stay up, but I think only two will go down anyway because the league's only got 19 in it. We started the season with 20 and then Witney pulled out.

“If the league wants to have 22 teams next season then they won't be able to relegate anybody and there's talk of Slimbridge going to the Western League, but you can't really bank on that.

“I've never known four teams to go down, I think you need to be third or fourth from bottom to make sure you're safe.

“We've got 10 games left and they are 10 cup finals. I still believe we're capable of going on a run but it's just a matter of getting on it. We've got to start picking up points.”

Highworth go into tomorrow's home clash with Oxford City Nomads boosted by the recent double signing of former Calne striker Glenn Armstrong and ex-Worcester youngster Nick Andrews.

Armstrong, nicknamed 'the goal', has played little over the last few months but did turn out for the Bremhill View side last weekend, scoring in their 3-2 win over Elmore.

“We lost Steve Robertson to Wootton Bassett and Glenn was available,” said Fisher.

“He's been at Calne most of his life but he hasn't done much there in about two months.

“He gives you a good shift in games.”

Defender Andrews recently moved into the area and works alongside Liam Williams, meaning he was enticed to the Elms.

Highworth welcome back Brad Clark from suspension tomorrow but skipper Darren Smart could face another week out of action with a hamstring injury.