HIGHWORTH Town manager Jeff Roberts says it is important to retain a sense of perspective despite the disappointing way in which this season has ended for his troops.

After spending much of the season at the top of the Hellenic League Premier Division, the Worthians could finish as low as fourth if they fail to beat top-of-the-league Thatcham this evening.

However, Roberts reminded his players that should they finish fourth, that is still an improvement on last season’s sixth-placed finish.

“It is disappointing, but we have to look at it as a progression. If went up this year it would have been a lot earlier than what we would’ve anticipated,” he said.

“We have a strong squad which we will take with us to Thatcham and we will look to make it as uncomfortable as we can for them.

“We’ve got to think about our own game as well and try to get three points, but Thatcham are on a massive run and have a very strong squad.

“We could finish fourth but we have to get a result against Thatcham and secure third place, overall if you look at the progression, we have improved from last season.

“It’s a slight improvement but it is disappointing that we have been let down by players over the last few months.

“You can’t dwell on it. We have dropped some silly points over the course of the season but it is what it is.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Royal Wootton Bassett Town will have to wait until April 26 to sign off their season as they travel to Woodley United.

Strugglers Fairford Town were unable to keep up with their hosts, Highmoor Ibis, as the home team secured a 3-1 win over Jody Bevan’s outfit.

After going 2-0 down, Fairford halved Highmoor’s advantage through Nathan Hawkins but Highmoor notched again before Fairford lost their goalkeeper Charles Steward to a groin injury in the closing stages.

In Division One West, Matt Cosnett’s Swindon New College side claimed their first point of the season at home.

The youngsters faced a familiar opponent in Woodstock Town, after the latter recorded a 4-0 win over the students at the end of February, and drew 1-1, Louis O’Shea on target for the hosts.

Second-placed Shrivenham return to action during the week as they host Woodstock on Wednesday.