HIGHWORTH boss John Fisher has launched a seven-day approach for Fairford Town centre back Ashley Taylor, as he looks to consolidate the Worthians’ title push.

Taylor is well known to Highworth, having turned out for the Reds before switching to Gloucestershire in 2011.

Fisher raided Fairford’s fellow Division One West team Purton for goalkeeper Gary Stevens, who made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday, and he has returned to Division One in order to quell a defensive shortage that forced a makeshift selection in the derby.

Midfielder Sam Wadieh and centre forward Aaron Maximen played in the heart of defence and the latter’s mistake 15 minutes from time let in Levi Cox to open the scoring.

Fisher is hoping his activity can improve the defensive performance of his side who have conceded 38 goals this season, more than any other side in the top 12 aside from Oxford City Nomads.

“We’ve got six centre backs registered at the moment, but availability is an issue at times,” said Fisher. “We’ve got a seven day approach in for Ashley Taylor at Fairford. So we should hear about that quite soon.”

“It’s not an issue for Sam, because he played in defence when he was younger. I spoke to Max a couple of weeks ago, about playing centre half, and he played well on Saturday aside from the goal. I thought he was outstanding today.

“Max has gone from centre forward to centre half, didn’t moan about it, just got on with it and that goes to show the character of the man. I’ve told him I can make him a centre half and he’s embracing it.”

Saturday’s point sees the Worthians hold onto sixth place in the league, eight points behind leaders Ardley United, who visit the Elms this Saturday.

Tonight their focus shifts to the Floodlit Cup as they travel to Wantage Town and Fisher believes the Oxfordshire side’s title aspirations could see his side sneak into the fourth round.

“I know that they have a few injuries and as the league is their priority, maybe they’ll rest a few,” he said. “Lots of teams don’t seem to bother with the Floodlit Cup, I used to not bother with it. But we’ll give it our all.”

Fisher is confident that he’ll have more defensive options to pick from for tonight’s game against the side that he believes will be champions. “They’re a very good side. Whoever finishes above Wantage will win the league, because they’re going to finish in the top two.”

Whoever he selects in defence, Fisher has confirmed that 24 year-old arrival Stevens has the number one shirt ahead of the other goalkeepers registered with Highworth. Keiran Shail, Gary Eggleton and Kurtis Sharkey have all appeared between the sticks for the Worthians this season, but Fisher said: “Gary is my first choice now. I think he’s a big presence, he’s imposing and he was unfortunate not to get a clean sheet on Saturday.”

Elsewhere tonight, Shrivenham are in Floodlit Cup action against Tuffley Rovers.