SAM Collier is hoping he isn’t about to lose his star striker to local rivals Highworth Town.

Shrivenham have received a seven-day approach for 19-year-old Josh Fowler, who scored a whopping 45 goals in 40 appearances, including five games for the reserves, last term.

Player-manager Collier would prefer to carry on lining up in attack alongside Fowler, who has also previously featured for Swindon Supermarine, and has his fingers crossed that the youngster opts to reject the overtures of the Worthians.

“We’ve had seven days in for Josh Fowler from Highworth. Obviously, I don’t want him to leave,” said the Barrington Park boss.

“I’ve spoken to Josh and he has said that he’s happy where he is but at the end of the day, he has to do what’s best for him – hopefully he decides to stay with us.”

On Wednesday, Shrivenham slipped to a sixth successive defeat in all competitions, their fourth in a row in the Premier Division, as they were beaten 4-2 at home by Ardley United.

Collier though is urging his players to look at the bigger picture when it comes to assessing their start to the season.

“Someone reminded me the other day that it’s only eight games. We have been on a poor run but there’s still a lot of the season to go,” said the Shrivvy chief.

“I know that it feels a bit doom and gloom at the moment and we’re crying out for a scrappy win to get us out of this.

“But I’ve said to the players that no-one is going to feel sorry for us and it’s up to us to turn things around.

“That’s not just the goalkeeper and back four either – it needs to come from the whole team.”

Shrivenham have a lengthy injury list to contend with ahead of this Saturday’s home clash with second-from-bottom Reading Town, with Ryan Wilkinson, David Coleman, Craig Bowden, Mani Randhawa, Sam Mepham, John Rees and Highworth target Fowler all currently sidelined.

Elsewhere, John Fisher’s Worthians go looking to keep the pressure on top-of-the-table Highmoor Ibis when they make the trip to Milton United at the weekend.

Wootton Bassett Town have the chance to notch up a third successive league victory away to winless Abingdon United.