Hellenic Premier Division

Brimscombe & Thrupp 0

Highworth Town 2

By Richard Joyce

A second successive defeat against one of the Hellenic Premier’s top-two sides saw Brimscombe and Thrupp slip back into seventh.

Goals in either half at the Meadow saw Sam Prior’s men succumb to a Highworth Town outfit boasting a squad of big name players, who remain just one of two step five teams in the country yet to lose away from home this season.

The Lilywhites first home outing since mid-January got off to the worst possible start when poor defending allowed Rory Sproule the opportunity to guide the visitors in front from inside the box.

It was an early blow, but an equaliser almost came a minute later, only for former Shortwood United goalkeeper Josh Langley to make a good stop from Edd Major’s burst towards goal after the midfielder had latched onto a Jack Smith through ball.

Aaron Ferris’ speedy run down the left saw the wide man look to extend Highworth’s lead just after the half hour mark, although he was denied by Ashley Gale’s near post save, while another Ferris effort shortly after went just wide of the post.

They should have doubled their advantage just before half time when recent arrival Lewis Waldon headed towards goal, only to see Dan Hill make a crucial stop to head the ball away.

Still very much in the game at half time, Brimscombe were knocked back early in the second period when defender Chris Pates was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.

Nevertheless, Brimscombe ploughed on, and after Sam Blackie’s shot was pushed away for a corner, Ollie Pitt saw his free kick attempt saved by Langley.

Ferris cut inside again for the visitors in the final stages of the afternoon only for his right footed hit to be saved by Gale, as the second goal cushion they were looking for eventually fell their way in the last ten minutes.

Former Swindon Town forward Connor Waldon was the beneficiary as he forced the ball in at the back post from a low ball across the face of goal to settle the clash.

John Evans’ spectacular curling effort at the death was matched by an as glamorous save from Langley, as Brimscombe failed to find a way past their opponents ahead of Tuesday’s Supplementary Cup meeting with Longlevens.

BRIMSCOMBE: Gale, Pitts, Hill, Greenhough, Pates, Caldwell (Vadasz), Evans, Major (Deakin), Pitt (Beadle), Blackie, Smith

HIGHWORTH: Langley, Stanners, Stanley, Turk, Adams, Taylor, Roberts, L Waldon, Ferris, C Waldon, Sproule

Referee: Liam Beames