HIGHWORTH Town chairman Rodney Haines has rubbished suggestions that John Fisher has quit as manager at the Elms.

Speculation was rife following Sunday's shock 2-1 reverse at Fairford Town, Highworth's second defeat five days, that Fisher had thrown in the towel at the Hellenic League club.

But Haines told the Swindon Advertiser the rumours were false and that Fisher would definitely be in charge for tonight's Premier Division derby with Shrivenham.

Haines said: "Obviously John was disappointed with the result against Fairford, but I think people just put two and two together.

"I can categorically state that he is still our manager."

Shrivenham boss Pete Horwat was still on holiday in Scotland when news of Fisher's rumoured departure reached his mobile phone.

But Horwat revealed he is fully expecting to see Fisher take his place in the home dugout for tonight's derby encounter.

He said: "News of John Fisher does carry 500 miles. I heard that he had quit, or was thinking about it, but then he's said that before so I just take it with a pinch of salt.

"I'm looking forward to going back there because I had four good years at Highworth myself and the people and supporters there are great.

"But my only concern on Tuesday will be Shrivenham and how we perform on the night. We will be going for the three points."

In tonight's other Hellenic League action, Fairford Town travel to Shortwood United while Wootton Bassett host Winterbourne in Division One West.

Tommy Dryden insists there is "much more to come" from his Malmesbury side after Monday's 3-0 victory over Cirencester United.

Vics secured their first win of the season with a brace from Alan Webb and a debut goal for new signing Bobby Jenkins, and Dryden believes his players can now put their stuttering start behind them.

"I hate derby matches, so I was pleased to come away with three points and a clean sheet," he said.

"We could have scored more, but it is result that matters and we are off and running now.

"I still think there's more to come from us, but we're playing some nice football at the moment.'' Purton had a man sent off for the third time in six matches as they lost 1-0 at home to promotion hopefuls Trowbridge Town.

Striker Warren Fuller was dismissed for collecting two yellow cards as he followed in the footsteps of fellow red card victims Sammy Omiponle and Joe Deyager.

Sean Percival scored the only goal midway through the first half after the defence were caught ball-watching.

Assistant manager Shaun Clark made three changes in the second half but Purton failed to find the breakthrough.

Clark said: "We played well again but the defending for the goal was very sloppy.

"We're not helping ourselves with the red cards either. None have been for violent conduct but we need to improve our discipline."

Cricklade lost the momentum from Saturday's 2-1 win over Clanfield when they were hammered 5-1 at Letcombe.