Honours Even
After 3 games in 8 days between two sides, honours ended even with a win apiece and a draw.
Today's league fixture saw the visitors end a run of 6 games without a win with a hard-fought victory at the Causeway Ground with their 4th league win of the season.
With both sides again having to make changes to their line ups Highworth took the lead in the 9th minute when Ryan Morgan won the ball in midfield and drove forward before picking out Jacob Davidge who set up Chris Taylor to curl a beauty into the keeper's top right-hand corner.
Ethan Moore had a good chance to equalise 4 mins later but, having received a fortuitous rebound, found himself in front of the advancing Connor Johns but his lob cleared both the keeper and crossbar. On an extremely wet pitch both sides tried to play passing football and the home side could have again equalised on 39 mins but a Craig Norman effort was narrowly off target.
HT was reached with Highworth still a goal to the good.
Their lead was extended on 51 mins when a break down the right saw a great cross from Edgi Mbunga met by a terrific header from Davidge The visitors defence held firm under much pressure but may have been fortunate in the 66th minute when a home "goal" was initially signalled only for the assistant referee to flag for offside, a decision accepted by the referee. 4 mins later Cinderford was awarded a penalty for an offence committed by Sam Morris. The excellent Connor Johns, however, executed a magnificent save to his left. Johns then again kept the home side at bay with a great save to his right-hand side.
Highworth then magnificently defended a series of corners and long throws to avoid a repeat of the recent late capitulation at Basingstoke Town and only conceded in the final minute of added time as Andy Lewis score a consolation for the home side.
A great result to end a poor run, great to do so with several senior players missing and great to see their younger replacements managing so well.
Highworth Town FC
