HIGHWORTH manager Jeff Roberts faces a selection headache this weekend after his side picked up a further three injuries during the week.

The Worthians will be without strikers Ashley Edenborough and Fabian McCarthy, plus midfielder Chris Taylor, who were all withdrawn during their 4-2 Premier Division win at Brimscombe and Thrupp.

Edenborough was the first to be replaced when he came off in the 25th minute after pulling a hamstring.

Taylor was the next to go after lasting the first half before a thigh strain was too much for him to continue with, while McCarthy came off late on due to rolling his ankle.

Manager Roberts was surprised the game went ahead on Tuesday night and admitted the conditions did his side no favours on the injury front.

“The conditions were really poor. I’m surprised they played the game on a boggy pitch which didn’t suit either side, especially us as we try and move the ball quickly,” said the Highworth boss.

“Midweek didn’t really help us, so hopefully we have the depth in the squad to cover that. The three players are going to be a bit of a miss for us.

“If you look at the league table, it is very close now between five of us. We are on a good run. Confidence is high but we picked up three injuries.”

Despite those injuries, Roberts was happy with how his side were able to grind out a result in Gloucestershire.

“It was good character from the players getting a goal up. We conceded very early again, then we came out in the second half and scored within a minute,” added Roberts.

“We conceded very quickly again to make it two-each, but then we dug deep and hit them on the break. We weren’t really in danger, and I think we thoroughly deserved to win."

As well as the three new injuries, the Worthians are also without central defender Ross Adams, who is struggling with a knee problem, for their crucial trip to third-placed Thatcham Town tomorrow.

Ryan Stanners continues to recover from a groin problem, as well as Lee Cousins and Paul Alder who are out with a foot and ankle problems.

Roberts added: “(Thatcham) is always an awkward place to go. They have a good side and they’re difficult team to beat at home. "

Meanwhile, Royal Wootton Bassett welcome Henley Town to the Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground as they look to bounce back from their Wiltshire Senior Cup defeat to Bradford Town on Wednesday night.