A DOUBLE from Highworth captain TJ Bohane helped his side to a 3-1 Hellenic League Premier Division victory over Shrivenham at Barrington Park yesterday.

The Worthians’ Matty Horsell got the visitors off the mark and Bohane won and converted a spot kick before Ritchie Miles pulled one back.

But Bohane, the league’s leading scorer, grabbed another on the hour mark to ensure bragging rights went to the title hopefuls.

Shrivvy were slow to start and found themselves behind in the second minute as Steve Bunting squared from Brad Clark's flick and Horsell diverted home.

Ten minutes later, after a quick break, Bohane was brought down inside the box while going away from goal by Scott Scanlon. Despite the protests of the Shrivvy back line and management, the spot kick was given, moments later being confidently tucked away by Bohane.

After struggling to find a foothold in the game, Shrivenham began to retain possession and create chances. On 26 minutes Miles ran on to a route one pass, got goal-side of Chris Flanagan and slotted past the onrushing Gary Stevens in the Highworth goal.

Highworth had Stevens to thank for maintaining their lead until half-time as he stopped the header of Nathan Blackford from point-blank range before sticking out a big right hand to repel a deflected effort from the same man.

The second half began at a frenetic pace and despite scrappy play, a series of half-chances fell to both sides.

Bohane grabbed his second goal on the hour after a through-ball put him one-on-one and he deftly chipped over keeper Louie Le Touche.

With 10 minutes remaining, Highworth almost had a fourth in bizarre fashion, when Horsell's shot cannoned back off the bar and a Shrivenham clearance struck sub Mark Stevens and rebounded over the line, only for the effort to be chalked off for offside.

In the dying moments, Miles was unfortunate not to grab a second for the hosts when he clipped the woodwork from distance.

Shrivvy boss Dave Turner said afterwards: “I think the better side won, in all honesty. We didn't start until we were two down.

“The first 20 minutes has cost us dearly, were it not for their keeper making two great saves we might have come in level.

“But overall, you can see Highworth have that little bit of extra quality that money buys you."”

Highworth boss John Fisher added: “I think we had Gary Stevens to thank for getting us in level at half-time.

“But I was impressed with Shrivenham's fight and how much they worked for one another, that's all Dave can ask for. Just maybe we have a bit more quality up top.

“When you look at TJ's finish for the third, it was top-class and perhaps that's what they didn't have."”

Tomorrow Highworth travel to Thame while Shrivenham are again at home as they entertain Newbury.