HIGHWORTH Town kept their slim league ambitions alive with a less than glamorous 2-1 home win over Brackley Town Saints.

In difficult conditions, the visitors took the lead in the 35th minute when Henry Jackson played in Matt Hammond to finish low into the corner.

Matt Johnson had the chance to double Brackley’s lead after the break but, one-on-one with Gary Eggleton, the Highworth stopper saved well.

That proved a turning point in the game and Richie Saunders then set up TJ Bohane to pull the hosts back level.

A controversial penalty sealed the game for Highworth when Callum Parsons was brought down and Bohane completed the honours from the spot.

“We were fortunate to get a point from the game let alone three,” said Highworth manager John Fisher.

“We could have been two up before they scored but we weren’t and they went one up just before half time.

“When we were 1-0 down our goalkeeper made a great save to keep it at one.

“Then the second half was scrappy and the conditions didn’t help but we have managed to get back into it through TJ.

“We have got a penalty and, from where I was stood, if it was given against me I wouldn’t have been too happy.

“We were very fortunate yesterday but that is what happens in football. You can play well and get beat and you can play awful and win.

“I will take the latter. It is a win and it keeps us in the hunt.”

Highworth were presented with two trophies prior to the game, one for going the whole of August unbeaten and the other for their semi-final achievement in the FA Vase last season.

While Fisher ruled out the side’s chances of claiming the Hellenic League Premier Division, Flackwell Heath’s win over leaders Thatcham Town has left the door slightly ajar.

“We have got Flackwell to come so it is still back in the mix but we have got to rely on other sides,” added The Elms boss.

“The pressure is off us and we’re not expected to do anything now.

“If we can just keep plugging away and getting the results, maybe they will be scrappy, then we’ll see where it leaves us.

“That’s how we have got to look at it now and hope other sides drop points.

“It is still there but we are relying on other sides.”

n IT WAS a day to forget for Royal Wootton Bassett Town as they were hit for six by title-chasing Kidlington.

Paul Braithwaite’s side were 4-0 down at half-time, and although goals from Steve Robertson and Dan Bailey gave them some comfort in the second half, it did little to gloss over a 6-2 final scoreline.