HIGHWORTH Town will bid to reach the second round proper of the FA Vase for a third time next week.

After an exciting 3-3 draw at Combined Counties League side AC London last weekend, Jeff Roberts’ side looked to be heading out of the competition as they trailed 1-0 during Wednesday night’s subsequent first round replay at the Elms.

However, with the Worthians in the hunt for an equaliser, the match was brought to a premature end as a challenge from home keeper Kent Kauppinen left an opponent with a broken ankle, which caused the tie to be abandoned.

“It was in the last few minutes of the game. We pushed and Kent came out to try and get a goal,” explained Highworth boss Roberts.

“It was a 50-50 ball and Kent has gone in with their left-back. Kent is quite a solid lad. He went fully in and their player has broken his ankle.” After the abandonment, the game has now been rescheduled for next Wednesday (November 2) and Roberts will be hoping for an improvement from his side after a disappointing performance last time out.

“They’re a very good footballing side and they have a lot of talented players, who move the ball around quickly,” added the Worthians chief.

“We knew what they were about but three or four of our players didn’t show up and we struggled a little bit.

“Luckily, now we get to replay it again so it’ll be third time lucky because we have another opportunity, but we need to play better.

“They made us look a little bit silly and that was because too many of our players weren’t giving their all, but we know we can match them.”

Highworth also return to league action at the weekend as they hit the road to face 16th-placed Oxford City Nomads.

“I know Oxford are down towards the bottom. We played them at home not too long ago and they’re not a bad side, to be honest,” said Roberts “Saturday will be a test. It depends what players Oxford will have to return from injury. We should be quite comfortable but we have to turn up.

“We can’t turn up and think that three points are going to be gifted to us. We have to work hard on and off the ball.”

Meanwhile, Royal Wootton Bassett Town are without a fixture this weekend, with their next assignment a second-round Hellenic League Floodlit Cup clash with Woodley Town next Wednesday.

Rich Hunter’s Bassett have also suffered a blow after having three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player in their 4-1 win over Longlevens on September 10.