DAVE Webb has urged his Highworth troops to ignore the elephant in the room and instead concentrate on getting a result at Binfield on Saturday.
Highworth take on Western League outfit Calne in the semi-finals of the Wilts Senior Cup on Tuesday, but Webb says tomorrow’s Hellenic Premier encounter in Berkshire has to be the first priority.
“Tuesday is in everyone’s minds but if we start thinking about that too much then we’ll get turned over on Saturday,” said Webb.
“They are two massive games and we’re really keen to progress to that final, but the focus has to be on Saturday to start with.
“If we can get through Saturday and all the Sunday games (without injury), then hopefully we’ll have enough about us to go to Devizes and have a good go at Calne.”
With goalkeeper Kurtis Sharkey away, Webb is able to call on dual-registered stopper Ian Gill, who has been helping out Southern Premier outfit Supermarine recently.
Tony Joyce is on holiday, Richie Saunders is injured and Matty Horsell is working, meaning Highworth are four men down on their first-choice side.
“It gives other players the chance to show what they can do,” added Webb.
“Although the group has a few bodies down, it’s still strong and we’re more than capable of getting those points that we want.
“If we win and other results go our way then we can get into the top four.”
Elsewhere in the division tomorrow, Fairford aim to further their survival hopes at Wokingham while Shrivenham have no game.
In Division One, Pete Doolan will be restored between the sticks when Wootton Bassett welcome Malmesbury to Rylands Way.
Striker Mitch Wyatt stepped in as an emergency stopper for the 3-2 win over Purton last weekend, and managed to injure himself.
“Anyone who has seen Mitch play knows he is full-blooded, but to pick up a strain while he was in goal was quite bizarre,” admitted boss Dave Turner.
Full-back James Blake is available again and should be involved.
Elsewhere, Purton take on Hook Norton, New College face Old Woodstock and Ciren Dev play Clanfield at the Corinium.
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