DAVE Turner believes his Shrivenham side will be taking on the ‘best team in the area’ when they take on Highworth on Boxing Day.

While Shrivvy sit 17th in the Hellenic Premier table John Fisher’s side go into the clash sixth as they bid to mount a promotion challenge.

The two teams have yet to meet this season but, having been to watch them on a couple of occasions, Turner believes the strength of the Highworth forward line making them difficult to stop.

“I’ve watched Highworth a couple of times this year and I would genuinely say they are the best team in our area at this level,” he said.

“Fish would be the first to admit he is looking for a bit more cover defensively, maybe at centre-half, but from midfield going forward they are absolutely superb.

“They are as good as anybody I’ve seen or played this season including Ardley (leaders) although we haven’t played Wantage yet. They’re a decent side and John has put a good side together so it’s going to be a very tough day for us.

“Every player needs to be on their game and we need to go out there and defend from the front and get 11 player up for it. If you work hard as a team you can restrict them to very few chances and maybe the weather might be a bit of a leveller.

“We have given some good teams a run for their money in the last few games and if we’re not up for this one then they will turn us over.”

Turner admitted anything his side can take from tomorrow’s match will be a bonus and is relying on his players not to enjoy Christmas too much.

“Nobody would expect us to get anything from this at all so we are going to turn up and give it our best shot,” he said.

“Anything we can get from this would be a bonus and if we give a good account of ourselves we’ll be pleased.

“They are a genuine top challenger and that’s what you have to do against teams like that, give your best.

“You have to hope you don’t have too many people on the lash over Christmas but if we put in a good display we’ll be happy.

“We are a little bit further ahead than I thought we would be at this time and we just have to go out and enjoy it. The lads are up for it, which you expect from a local derby, so we just have to go out there and do it.”

Elsewhere in the division, Wootton Bassett travel to Newbury looking to build on their good recent run which has seen them move up 15th in the table.

Meanwhile, Fairford’s game with Malmesbury and New College’s home clash with Purton fell victim to the wet weather last night.