HIGHWORTH jumped to fourth in the Hellenic League Premier Division table after a 6-2 thumping of lowly Abingdon United at Northcourt Road.

Striker TJ Bohane lived up to his pre-match billing of being the top striker in the league - the words of his manager John Fisher - by banging in a hat-trick.

A brace from Richie Saunders and a further goal from Matty Bennett got the Worthians over the line against their hosts, who converted penalties either side of the break before having a man sent off.

“Abingdon were a little bit better than I expected them to be, but they have signed a couple of lads in the last few weeks so that was probably why,” said Fisher.

“That said, it could have been eight or nine but I was just pleased to get three points even though we didn’t play particularly great.

“When you create plenty of chances you’re always going to score goals. TJ got three and he could have had five.

“From where I was standing I didn’t think their penalties were penalties and the red card looked more like a booking. I don’t think the lad really meant it.

“But as soon as they went down to 10 men, we ripped them apart and we had about three one-on-ones as well.”

Bohane put the Worthians one up before a couple of headers from Saunders made it 3-0 to the visitors.

Contentious spot kicks either side of the interval got Abingdon right back in it.

However, the hosts then went down to 10 men following a two-footed tackle on Matty Horsell, who limped off with the resulting foot problem soon after.

Matty Bennett and Bohane took the lead to 5-2 before Bohane completed his treble with a well-taken header.

Meanwhile, Fisher has become the latest manager to speak out in support of Steve Winter, who was sacked as manager of Chippenham last week.

Winter was axed by the Bluebirds following the 9-0 defeat to Stourbridge, even though he was enjoying his surprise 40th birthday holiday at the time.

And Fisher has slammed the decision of the Hardenhuish Park hierarchy, stating that Winter was not to blame.

“To me the result wasn’t his fault because he was on holiday,” said Fisher.

“He wasn’t there and yet he got sacked which I think is a disgrace. The more you think about it, the worse it gets.

“Sticking up for the managers’ union, how can you sack someone who wasn’t there?”