It Asda be a return to Highworth for Fisher

From the archive, first published Tuesday 25th Oct 2005.

HIGHWORTH have got their manager back thanks to a pep talk from his better half and a little trip to Asda.

John Fisher (pictured right) confirmed yesterday that he will be staying on as boss at the Elms, five days after walking out on the club during the 4-0 Hellenic Premier defeat to Pegasus.

While Highworth were ending their sorry run of defeats with a 1-0 Challenge Cup win over Easington, Mrs Fisher gave her husband a frightening glimpse into Saturday afternoons without football.

"My wife took me to Asda on purpose," he said.

"It was 3.30pm on Saturday and I though `what on earth am I doing here?'

"She said I'd come to regret it if I walked now. I don't want to be remembered as the bloke who threw in the towel."

But Fisher insists his return will mark a raise in standards from those which have seen the Premier Division champions slump into the bottom three.

He added: "I've spoken to my two assistants (Dave Webb and Andy Wollen) and we've decided things have to change all round.

"All of us have been guilty of being in the comfort zone. That will change.

"We'll be training twice a week and the players will have to earn the right to play.

"Everyone has taken their foot off the pedal since winning the title and I'll hold my hand up to that.

"The players now have to be prepared to work hard or I'll bring in players who will."

On-loan Scott Griffin scored the only goal of the game as Highworth progressed in Fisher's temporary absence, but chairman Fraser Haines is happy to welcome his manager back.

"We're really pleased," said Haines. "We all wanted him to stay after everything he did for us last year.

"We never had anyone else in mind for the job."

Three players saw red in an eventful Challenge Cup preliminary round tie at Rylands way.

Wootton Bassett Town eventually overcame nine-man Cirencester United side 5-4 in a penalty shootout after the sides were tied 1-1 after extra-time.

Cirencester were reduced to nine men inside the first 20 minutes when both Richard Hadgkiss and keeper Matt Keslake were dismissed.

However, Bassett failed to take advantage of the two-man advantage as the visitors constantly held seven men back at all times.

With just four minutes remaining and it looking increasingly unlikely that Bassett would score a cross from the right was met with a header from Steve Howse and the ball sailed into the top corner of the net.

A minute later Steve Yeardley received a second yellow card, and the home team were reduced to 10 men.

Dave Reeves quickly took advantage of the situation for Cirencester United and slotted the ball into the net past Paul Hawkins on 88 minutes to send the tie into extra time.

A penalty from Dominic Dunton six minutes into the first half of extra time gave the visitors the lead before James Townsend's header sent the game to penalties.

With Cirencester's second penalty, Reeves hit the post rather than the back of the net and with Bassett converting all of their penalties this settled the match.

Shrivenham were in seventh heaven in their away tie at Ross Town.

They produced a sizzling display to runout very comfortable 7-0 winners.

Shrivvy led 3-0 at the break and added a further four goals in the final 45 minutes as they overran Ross.

On target for the victors were Peters, Thomas and Thompson with braces while Green netted the other.

A single strike from Gary Hill in the 57th minute gave Fairford a 1-0 at Clanfield.

Purton went down 3-2 after extra-time to Pewsey Vale.

Goals from Brinn Keetch and Warren Fuller were futile for Purton.

Elsewhere, Cricklade crashed 3-0 away at Winterbourne.

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