MANAGER Jeff Roberts admits his Highworth Town troops resemble the walking wounded at present as they try to plot a course to silverware before the end of the season.

The Worthians went down 3-1 at Brackley Town Saints on Wednesday night, a result that means they can finish no higher than fifth or lower than seventh in the Hellenic League Premier Division whatever the outcome of their final two matches.

Roberts’ side have also qualified for the Wiltshire Senior Cup final against near-neighbours Swindon Supermarine, of the Southern League, on April 27 and are into the semi-finals of the Hellenic Challenge Cup.

Cup success has therefore taken priority over league points, meaning Roberts will have to carefully manage his already-depleted ranks for Saturday’s trip to leaders Bracknell Town.

Tony Joyce suffered a fractured foot against Brackley in midweek, while Kieran Gleed broke his arm on Monday night playing five-a-side football and both are extremely unlikely to play any further part in the Worthians’ campaign.

Ash Edenborough and Aysa Corrick are also both carrying muscle strains and are expected to be rested this weekend.

“We have got to be sensible with our selection in these last few league games – we know what our priorities are,” said Roberts.

“A few players have left recently so the squad is a bit on the small side but it’s too late in the season to bring more people in now.

“It’s a little bit of a juggling act. We’ve got people injured and anyone who is on four bookings, we don’t want to risk them getting another one over the remaining league games because they’ll miss the cup games.

“We’re a bit banged and bruised at the moment but we will get a team together that we think is capable of being competitive.”

Bracknell top the table on goal difference from Thame United and victory over Highworth is likely to see them crowned champions as both title chasers conclude their campaigns this weekend.

Although the Worthians have their own eyes elsewhere, Roberts concedes they have a responsibility to the league to make as tough a game of it as possible for Bracknell.

“It’s either going to be Bracknell’s or Thame’s title, and I think Thame have got Henley this weekend and they are bottom of the league, so Bracknell will know they have to beat us,” said Roberts.

“They will have to attack us, so hopefully that will give us a bit of a chance to exploit them as well.

“We are not going there to roll over, if they want the title, they will have to earn it by beating us fair and square.”