'We're doing it the hard way', says Highworth boss

Highworth Town might not have managed a training session since October but manager John Fisher is feeling bullish ahead of Saturday's FA Vase game.

Fisher has warned Tadcaster Albion that they are in for a shock in their quarter-final replay. 

Fixture congestion over the past five months, coupled with long spells of bad weather in the Wiltshire market town, has made organising training a nightmare for the club's long-serving boss. 

But that has not stopped them from reaching the Sixth Round of the Vase for the first time in their history and forcing Northern Counties East League Premier leaders Tadcaster into a replay. 

Speaking to TheFA.com following last week's 1-1 draw, Fisher explained: "People have laughed at me about this, but we can't get on this pitch because it's so bad and so wet and unless you can get on your pitch you can't train. 

"Most of our lads play Saturday and then Sunday morning. If they're doing that and playing midweek then I cannot ask them to come in on Thursday too. I've been giving them the time off.

"If we go in the gym people will start getting injured. Unless you can get on the pitch and do something worthwhile it's not worth doing.

"We haven't done a training session since The FA Vase started, I don't think we've had a full session on the pitch since October. 

"But the boys are playing plenty of football and their fitness is good." 

Highworth are currently outsiders to win the Vase while Tadcaster are currently second favourites. But Fisher does not mind one bit. 

He said: "We've always been complete underdogs from day one. We've always been no-hopers. We've never taken any notice. 

Action from last week's 1-1 draw (photo: Mike Markham)

"Some of our supporters got us at 66/1 so they will get a good pay out if we do it. Anything can happen in a game of football. 

"We haven't got a chance in their eyes but we don't mind. 

"After we drew with Tadcaster on Saturday they are thinking 'that's it, we're through'. That's fine, they can crack on. 

"We're doing it the hard way. Every round we've had a decent side. If we do this then it will be unbelievable." 

Fisher also revealed that his side's thrilling Vase run has started to mirror the prediction of the club's very own Nostradamus, Bradley Clark. 

The three-goal striker said during the early stages of the competition that Highworth would beat a north-east side in the semi-final, with Highworth winning the second-leg up in Newcastle – and celebrating with a night on the Toon. 

Incredibly, victory against Tadcaster will secure a last-four spot against Tyneside club North Shields – and the second-leg will be played away. 

Fisher added: "Brad called it a while back now, who am I to argue? He said we'll end up winning a double-header up in Newcastle and we would all go out and celebrate there." 

 So what does Clark say happens in The Final? 

 Fisher laughed: "I don't think even he is thinking about that just yet."