HIGHWORTH Town manager Jeff Roberts is fully focused on seeing his side progress in the FA Vase.

The Elms side entertain Combined Counties Premier Division Knaphill tomorrow and Roberts is expecting a physical encounter with Knaphill after watching them in their 3-3 draw with Abbey Rangers. “I went down there on Monday to watch them (Knaphill) against Abbey Rangers and they went 3-0 up,” said the Highworth boss.

“They’re quite a strong side, they are very physical at the back and lively up top so it will be a good test for us.

“Technically they’ll be another good test but I don’t think we will play sides who are a lot better than AC London.”

Highworth took three attempts to dispose of AC London, with the first game ending in a draw, then the rearranged fixture was abandoned after one on of the opposition player’s breaking his ankle.

They finally booked their place in the next round at the third time of asking and the Highworth manager also believes his side will be more than capable of seeing off the Combined Counties Premier Division side.

“At the end of the day we were able to overcome them and now we have Knaphill who have something about them with a few quick wingers,” added Roberts.

“We just have to be on our toes really, we have a big strong squad now and everybody is available on Saturday.

“The atmosphere within the squad is very good, it’s good to see the team spirit so we couldn’t ask for any more from them really.”

Highworth will head into the match after they comfortably dispatched Shortwood United Reserves 3-1 in the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup.

The Worthians, who were largely made up of reserve team players, got their goals through Fabien McCarthy, Kent Kauppinen, who played as an outfield player, and Kieron Gleed on Tuesday night.

McCarthy broke the deadlock in the 25th minute, before Kauppinen doubled their lead.

The second half saw the Meadowbank side peg one back, before Gleed sealed the win when he notched in the 68th minute.

Rich Hunter’s Royal Wootton Bassett were also in midweek action as they were 5-1 winners in their second-round Hellenic League Floodlit Cup tie against Sandhurst Town.

Goals from Dale Richards, Alioune Diouf, Adam Corcoran, Liam Edmondson and Sam Packer meant Hunter’s side sailed into the next round.

In-form Steve Robertson was also ever-present as he claimed two assists in his team’s latest win. In the next stage of the competition Bassett will face a slightly tougher test as they welcome Lydney Town to the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.