JEFF Roberts believes that things are probably progressing ahead of schedule at Highworth Town.

On Saturday, the Worthians return to action in the Hellenic League Premier Division, where they find themselves fifth in the table behind Thatcham Town, Flackwell Heath, Thame United and leaders Bracknell Town, all four of whom have applied for promotion to the Southern League.

Highworth, who thrashed Highmoor Ibis 4-1 to move into the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup last weekend, have scored 15 goals in their last four league matches and remain within touching distance of the promotion-chasers above them.

Roberts took over from long-serving boss John Fisher in the summer and while he admits that it may prove to be a bridge too far to reel in free-scoring Bracknell, who are 10 points ahead, the Worthians manager is happy to see his team in the mix at the right end of the table.

“We haven’t really given up on top spot but Bracknell have to be the favourites for the league,” said Roberts.

“We’re in that top-five and we’re happy to be there. We play Flackwell a week on Saturday, and that’s going to be an important game but if we win that, maybe we can go up a place.

“A lot of the other teams at the top have still got to play each other, so there might be a bit of moving around, but we’re just trying to take every game as it comes at the moment.

“With taking over last summer and getting a new side together, we’re probably doing better than we thought we would be doing.”

Highworth will be hoping not to have their fingers burned when they travel to second-from-bottom Burnham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Royal Wootton Bassett Town also get their teeth stuck back into league action and boss Rich Hunter reckons there may be a simmering edge to their home clash with Ascot United.

Both teams had a man sent off when Bassett won 3-1 in Berkshire on January 7.

“There was a bit of a brawl at the end and both teams went down to 10 men. Players don’t forget that kind of thing, so maybe it will be a bit feisty,” said Hunter.

“We’re looking at it as a winnable game and I don’t want anything less than three points.

“When we have our best 11 out, I think we’re one of the better teams in this league.”