FAIRFORD Town's players will literally be chasing shadows as they take to their Cinder Lane pitch at 1pm tomorrow, as there won't be an opponent in sight.

John Paget's side entertain Ardley United in the Hellenic League Premier Division, but the furious boss is hoping that a pre-match training session will serve to eradicate defensive lapses which have crept into their game of late.

In their last three matches, Paget, pictured, has watched in amazement from the dugout as Fairford have gifted their opponents goals from set pieces.

So his players will report for duty early in a bid to put right their wrongs.

"We had a real chat after the defeat in midweek and a few home truths came out because I wasn't very happy with the performance," Paget admitted.

"In the last three games we have conceded from a corner or free-kick, and it just isn't good enough.

"I've called the players in early on Saturday so we can have a bit of a training session before the game.

"The players will get here about two hours before kick-off and we'll do some work on defending set pieces and organisation on the pitch before Ardley arrive.

"In open play we defend quite well, but we seem to switch off at set pieces, but it's something we can sort out, and I'm determined to do that."

Gary Probert and Adam Snook return to the Fairford squad, meaning Paget has a full quota to select from.

Elsewhere, Pete Horwat is tipping defender-turned-striker Rory Sproule to fire Shrivenham into the top six.

The teenager has been used primarily as a sweeper or wing-back this season, but Horwat and Alan Dyton put him up top against Milton United on Wednesday night, and it paid dividends.

Horwat was so impressed with Sproule's performance that he will be given the nod at home against Witney.

He said: "Putting him up there and then putting him back the next game would defeat the object of what we are trying to do.

"Rory is quick, strong and really good at holding the ball up. It means we keep the ball better and our wide men can play more of a significant part.

"Rory was a forward with Swindon and the New College Academy before he went to Highworth.

"He's got raw talent and is one of those lads who is fearless because he's only 18. He can cause defenders problems because he asks different questions of them."

Having taken three points off second-bottom Harrow Hill, Dave Webb's Highworth Town will be looking to complete the perfect week with victory against Abingdon Town.

Andy Minturn is still out, but Mark Jordan could be fit following a hamstring problem, and Webb said: "It's a game that we really need three points from if we are to close the gap on the team ahead of us.

"We want to try and get six points from this week, but they had a 6-0 win in midweek in the Supplementary Cup, so it will be far from straightforward.

"If we're not right at it then we'll come unstuck."