THEY might have only had 12 first-team players available but that did not stop Highworth storming into their first-ever Challenge Cup final on Saturday.

The Worthians romped to a 5-0 thrashing of Hellenic Premier leaders Oxford City Nomads at the Elms, as they set up a final with Binfield or Headington in fine style.

Craig Curtis, Danny Hilder and Matty Horsell gave the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break, before keeper Kurtis Sharkey saved a penalty in the second period.

Dan Wallington chipped home a wonder-strike from 40 yards before 16-year-old substitute Callum Parsons wrapped up victory.

It was a result that left Highworth boss Dave Webb stunned.

“To beat them by any sort of scoreline would have been acceptable, I never expected to beat them 5-0,” he said.

“I knew it would be difficult but we were superb. The effort from the team was tremendous and we just clicked.

“We had a plan to stop them playing by pressing them, and that was exactly what we did. They were never allowed to settle.

“I’m pleased for the players that they have got a final to look forward to now, but now we turn attention to the league and we need to get some points in that.

Highworth play host to John Fisher’s Shrivenham side this afternoon, in a much-anticipated local fixture.

Rory Sproule is suspended but Jon Steedman and Tony Joyce return after missing out at the weekend.

In the Hellenic Premier at the weekend, Fairford’s survival bid was dealt another blow as they lost 3-0 at home to Thame, with Brad Chalmers, Ben Gray and Nik Rhodes bagging the goals.

Efforts from Lee Bowen and Matt Bown gave Wootton Bassett a 2-0 home win over Cirencester Dev in Division One West.

New College were crushed 5-0 by champions Tytherington as Andrew Criddle (2), Anthony Perry, Jack Smyth and Toby Colbourne netted.

Dave Gee scored for Purton in their 1-1 draw against Lydney for whom Steven Jones replied.

Malmesbury and Cricklade also shared a 1-1 draw with Aaron Sanghera opening the scoring for Cricklade before Max Sparrow hit back.

There are plenty of Hellenic fixtures being played today by our local sides.

As well as Highworth’s clash with Shrivenham, elsewhere in the Hellenic Premier, lowly Fairford make the trip to title-challengers Shortwood.

In Division One West, Purton are matched up with hosts Cirencester Dev, while Cricklade make the journey to Clanfield.

Wootton Bassett welcome Winterbourne to Rylands Way and New College are away to Lydney.