HIGHWORTH Town chief Jeff Roberts says the Hellenic League Challenge Cup has taken on greater significance for his side following their elimination from the FA Vase.

The Worthians’ bid for national glory was ended a fortnight ago when they were knocked out in the second round at home by Combined Counties League outfit Knaphill.

Although Roberts’ predecessor at the Elms, John Fisher, viewed this weekend’s competition in unfavourable terms, the new manager is keen to fight on as many fronts as possible in his first season as Highworth boss.

The Worthians currently sit fifth in the Premier Division table following a 4-0 romp at home to Binfield last weekend and although Roberts would have liked the chance to sustain that league momentum, he does not view the Challenge Cup as an unnecessary distraction and will be going all out for glory when Oxford City Nomads visit the Elms on Saturday.

“I would have preferred a league game but being out of the Vase, every game is important and this is another competition that we want to do well in,” said Roberts.

“The Vase would have been a decent competition to have a nice run in but we turn our attentions elsewhere now. It’s a cup that we want to go as far as we can in.

“It’s my first season so the club are saying there is no pressure on me but I want to try to push on and finish as high in the league as we can, although as this is our first year together, we know that will be difficult.

“We just want to try to win every game we play.”

Ashley Edenborough and Tom Cole are both rated as 50-50 to feature against Nomads, while Ryan Stanners is suspended after picking up a fifth booking of the campaign.

Highworth have claimed two narrow victories against the same opposition already this term and Roberts is sure his side can make it a hat-trick if they play to their potential.

“We have played them a couple of times already and beaten them both times but I still think they are a decent footballing side, so we won’t be taking them lightly,” said Roberts.

“We have worked hard in the last few weeks and our work-rate has been second to none. We’ve been clinical in front of goal too and in the last two games, I couldn’t really have asked for any more from the players.”

Fellow Premier Division side Royal Wootton Bassett Town host Sandhurst Town, while Division One West outfits Shrivenham and New College are at home to Bracknell Town and Chalvey Sports respectively.

Fairford Town are in action in the Gloucestershire FA Challenge Trophy and travel to Bristol Telephones.