JEFF Roberts says now is not the time for his Highworth Town players to let their standards drop as they look to maintain a hefty lead in the race for the Hellenic League Premier Division title.

The Worthians have been in outstanding form all season, winning 19 of 22 league matches, and have a 10-point advantage over second-placed Thatcham Town at the head of the table.

Highworth laboured to a 3-1 win over bottom side Highmoor Ibis in their previous league fixture last weekend, having to come from behind to take the points.

Although thrilled by the performances his team have produced since the start of the season, Roberts has noticed a dip in form of late and is keen to arrest that.

“We are in a very good position overall but over the last couple of weeks, we have not really sparked as much as we would have liked to,” said Roberts.

“I don’t want to grumble too much because the fact we are in such a strong position is down to the efforts of the players but I think a few of the guys have not been performing quite as well as they can in recent games.

“The strength in depth and quality has slacked off a little bit and I think some players just need to step it up.”

Highworth have won both league games so far this month and the next challenge is a home clash against sixth-placed Binfield.

A Boxing Day derby at Royal Wootton Bassett Town and home tie against a Bracknell side who Roberts views as his side’s chief title challengers are on the horizon after Christmas, so the Worthians chiefs is keen to avoid any slip-ups before then.

“This month is massive for us and picking up three points as often as we can is going to be vital,” said Roberts Elsewhere, Bassett boss Rich Hunter takes his troops to Ascot United but Fairford Town are without a fixture this weekend.

In Division One West, Shrivenham and New College face trips to Pewsey Vale and Woodstock Town respectively.