HIGHWORTH Town manager Jeff Roberts remains hopeful his side can find their first points of the season when they host Brimscombe and Thrupp tonight.

Roberts’ men have lost their opening three Hellenic League Premier Division matches in what has been a shaky start to the new era at The Elms.

However, the manager blames a host of injuries with Ross Adams, Lewis Brown, Ashley Edenborough all on the sidelines.

“It’s been a tough start because we have had so many injuries, we have had Ross Adams, as well as Ash Edenborough, who has a bruised ankle, and Lewis Brown, who is out with a bad hip,” said Roberts, who took charge this summer following the retirement of John Fisher.

“It’s not ideal for the first few weeks, I think last Wednesday we had six out injured and one suspended so we’ve had to promote a few of the reserves.

“But we always knew it was going to take time for the players to gel, so I’m not worried at the moment.”

It’s not all doom and gloom for the Worthians after they managed to win 3-0 in the FA Cup at Ardley United on Saturday thanks to two goals from Simon Gleed and a solitary effort from Ryan Stanners.

Stanners put them ahead in the 33rd minute after a good move down the right saw him latch on to a square ball, before rifling home from 20 yards.

Gleed then got his first with 15 minutes remaining after the hosts surrendered the ball in their own half, before allowing the Highworth man to turn and fire home.

With one minute left, he then wrapped up the win with a tap in.

“I’ve played them (Brimscombe) a few times and they’re awkward but we can build on Saturday’s performance,” added Roberts.

“We had a clean sheet, which is important, and it was good to see it starting to click. The boys have started working for each other.”