JOHN Fisher believes Highworth Town are still capable of challenging for the Premier Division title – but only if he gets unconditional commitment from his players.

The Worthians won their opening six league games of the campaign before Fisher departed on his annual early-season holiday.

However, Highworth slipped to three straight defeats as assistant boss Kevin Moloney took charge, with Fisher’s number two not helped by injuries and unavailabilities.

Although things have picked up again, with Town collecting four points from their last two league games, they are seven points adrift of leaders Flackwell Heath.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Ardley United, Fisher has called for his players to get behind Highworth’s cause in the hope of restarting a title bid.

“It wasn’t Kev’s fault. He did a great job and even if I was there, those players would still have been unavailable,” said Fisher.

“We had three big games and I thought we might win one of them but that’s the way it goes. You can’t do anything about injuries.

“It proved a point, though. We didn’t have everyone available and we lost by the odd goal to what I think are the three best teams. So when we have everyone available, we will not be far away.

“We had a good chat and if they have got aspirations of winning the league, they have to be available every week. Everyone has holidays - I just had one myself - but it’s the odd weekend off that needs to stop.

“If they are prepared to show that commitment, we have a great chance. We are capable of winning it but it can’t come from me or Kev. It’s down to them.”

Fisher will not be able to pick from a full squad this weekend though, as Lee Bowen is away, Jonny Aitkenhead is suspended and Chris Jackson is injured.

Meanwhile, Fairford Town will be looking to make it a fourth Division One West game in a row unbeaten when they travel to Clanfield.

Although they have not played a league fixture in three weeks, Gareth Davies’ men have been in good form all round, progressing in two different cup competitions in each of the past two weekends.

  • SHRIVENHAM host East Hendred in the Bucks & Berks Intermediate Cup second round.