HIGHWORTH Town were unable to give retiring manager John Fisher the send-off he deserved as the curtain came down on their season with a 2-0 defeat at home to Ardley United.

The result means Fisher failed to record victory in any of his last seven games as Worthians chief and they will finish seventh in the Premier Division table.

However, the sombre mood on the pitch was soon lifted by an evening of celebration at the Elms as Fisher and number two Kevin Moloney, who is also standing down, were honoured for their service to the club.

Fisher began his second stint as Worthians boss in 2012, having won the 2005-05 Premier Division title in his first tenure, and wrote the final chapter in his 30-year managerial career on Saturday.

Numerous faces from Fisher’s past were there to celebrate with the departing boss, including many from that title winning team, and he says it was a good way to bow out.

“The game was disappointing as it would have been nice to finish with a win but it didn’t really take the gloss off it,” said 59-year-old Fisher.

“We had a really nice evening with family and friends and me and Kev both got presented with a few things, which was lovely.

“We got a framed signed shirt each and two silver salvers, it was all very nice.

“The club asked me to be the president as well, which is a nice touch. I said: ‘Yes but does that mean I still have to come every week?’ They said: ‘No, just come when you want.’ “I would like to thank my wife Helen who has given me great support in the last 30-odd years of managing.

“We’ve been married 35 years and she’s never once asked me to pack up, she’s just let me get on with it.

“When you’ve got someone like that, it really does make doing it all easier. She doesn’t get football, really, if a goal went in she wouldn’t know but she came up to watch on Saturday and it was great.”

On the pitch, the two sides could not be separated in the first 45 minutes but Ardley took control of the game after the break and Reece Bayliss broke the deadlock after five minutes.

Highworth had chances to get back into it but Ade Talabi made the points safe for the visitors in stoppage time.

“We dominated the first half but didn’t create much, whereas they had the better chances. We didn’t have one shot,” added Fisher.

“Their manager said to me afterwards it was a bit of a smash and grab but I said they deserved to win.

“It’s a disappointing way to finish but it is what it is. I’ll enjoy my retirement now.”