BOSS John Fisher feels Highworth have earned every penny they have spent this season and says he is fed up of figures at other clubs ‘bleating’ about a lack of finance.

At Hellenic League level, the Worthians have the healthiest budget of any local side and Fisher believes that his team have profited from their own hard work.

Shrivenham boss Dave Turner cited Highworth’s budget as being a key element of the 3-1 win over Shrivvy on Boxing Day, given that star summer recruit TJ Bohane was twice on the scoresheet.

But Fisher feels there is nothing wrong with splashing the cash.

“On my new year’s wishlist is that I don’t want to hear Dave Turner or anyone else bleating on about budgets. If you haven’t got one then it’s tough luck,” said Fisher.

“The committee worked hard in pre-season to get a budget and we haven’t got a sugar daddy or anything like that.

“TJ Bohane didn’t just drop into my lap, we worked hard to get him here and committee members put money in themselves.

“I know other clubs have got bigger budgets than me. Marlow had a massive one last year and fair play to them.

“The club organised the Highworth Sixes and if other clubs want to do the same then they will have a budget as well.”

Turner hit back by accusing Fisher of being ‘sensitive’ and said he wasn’t bothered about having less funds than Highworth at his disposal.

“Personally I think he’s being a little bit sensitive,” said Turner.

“I was just pointing out that a budget buys you that little bit of quality that you need to challenge and I’ve no problem with them having it.

“I think he’s doing a good job at Highworth and is using his budget a lot more wisely than other teams in the area that are lower down in the league.

“It doesn’t bother me in the slightest because I’ve never got upset about something I’ve never had.

“How they got the money and how they spend it is nothing to do with me and I honestly don’t care.”

Shrivenham have a strong squad for tomorrow’s trip to Ascot and Highworth are in similarly good shape as they prepare to entertain Kidlington.

In Division One West, New College play Hook Norton at the Webb’s Wood Stadium while Purton are without a game.

Fairford, missing the suspended Steve Hall, face a stern examination when they travel to Shortwood reserves.