ONE cup semi-final defeat was quite enough for one season for Highworth boss Dave Webb.
The 4-2 loss to Calne in the Wilts Senior Cup ended the Worthians’ hopes of a double of sorts, but they do still have the chance of Challenge Cup success.
Tomorrow afternoon Highworth come up against a strong Oxford City Nomads outfit as both sides fight for the right to face Binfield or Headington in the final.
And Webb is determined to avoid the pain of defeat in the semis once more.
“ I’ve been there as a player and a manager and it’s a really horrible feeling, because you know how close you are,” he said.
“You only get one opportunity in a semi-final and it’s about the team that wants it the most or gets the most luck on the day.
“The players need to turn up and all give me eights and nines out of 10, and if we do that then we can beat them.
“I need my players to be focused and ready for it, because we can’t afford to carry anyone.”
Tomorrow’s cup clash will be Highworth’s six game in just 19 days, and Webb admits that it’s not just his squad that are starting to get weary.
“It’s tough, I feel tired and I’m not even playing, so the players must be knackered,” he said.
“It does take it out of you even if you are only managing.”
Webb is missing the unavailable Tony Joyce, the suspended Rory Sproule and the cup-tied Jon Steedman tomorrow.
Elsewhere, Fairford continue their fight for survival in the Hellenic Premier as they play host to Thame.
Shrivenham have no fixture and are next in action on Easter Monday in the local derby against Highworth.
In Division One West, there are two derbies taking place this weekend.
Malmesbury host Cricklade at the Flying Monk with survival still very much the aim for Simon Winstone’s men, while Wootton Bassett take on Cirencester Dev at Rylands Way.
New College face a tough task at league champions Tytherington and Purton welcome Lydney to the Red House.
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