HIGHWORTH Town manager John Fisher feels that his side have the potential to break into the Hellenic League Premier Division top four this term.

The Worthians host Purton tonight in their second pre-season friendly and boss Fisher is pleased with how his side are looking.

And having drafted in goalkeeper Gary Stevens from tonight’s visitors, the veteran chief has high hopes for the new campaign.

“The main area that I wanted to strengthen this summer was the back-line,” Fisher said. “Last season I had to chop and change every week and that is something you cannot do.

“I’ve been able to bring in Gareth Davies from Devizes and Chris Jackson, a young left-back who played at Malmesbury (Victoria) last year.

“I have really high hopes for Chris, he is only 19, he was part of the Swindon youth set-up a few years ago and I believe that he can play in the Southern League.

“I’ve also got Gary Stevens from Purton and he is the best goalkeeper in the league.

“I’m looking at bringing in a few more players and if I can do that then I think that we can get in the top four and perhaps even higher.”

Fisher is also looking forward to being reunited with his former striker Justin Miller, who is now in charge at Purton.

“Mutley used to play for me a few years ago and he was a great forward so it will be great to see him again,” Fisher said.

“I’m sure that he will be finding it quite hard in his first pre-season - I still do and I’ve been doing it for 25 years.”

Miller, who took over from Chris Pethick at the end of last term, has brought in eight new faces to the Redhouse since joining the club.

Miller’s former Swindon Supermarine team-mates Steve Davies and David Slattery have signed up, while former Highworth players Lewis Page and Rory Sproule are also on board for the new campaign.

Lee Toomey has joined after playing for New College last term, while Lewis Woollen was at Intel. Dan Parson is back in football after taking a year out and Tom Cole is another Miller signing after playing in local football in London last term.

“Pre-season has been going really well,” Miller said. “We had our first game last weekend against Pewsey Vale and the lads put in a good shift on a really hot day.

“The new boys have fitted in well and the squad has a good blend of experience and youth to it. “Hopefully I can bring in a centre-half and central midfielder by the middle of next week and then I’ll be really happy with what we have got.”