Tuffley Rovers manager, Neil Mustoe believes that Highworth Town will be a challenging fixture ahead of their meeting in the uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.
Mustoe stated, “Highworth will be a huge test as they are very good at home, have a lot of physicality, and have lots of quality all around the pitch. They missed out on the playoffs last season, and I’m sure they will be there or thereabouts again.”
Rovers travel away to the Save on Tyres Stadium where they will face promotion chasing the Worthians on Saturday afternoon.
Tuffley are currently winless in three and require a strong effort to beat a well drilled Highworth, who currently sit third in the division.
Rovers found it difficult to prepare for this weekend due to a postponement of their Tuesday night fixture at home to Lydney Town as Glevum Park was waterlogged by a heavy downpour.
“With the game on Tuesday called off, we didn’t get any minutes and our training session on Thursday is only an hour slot on the 3g surface, so we’ll have to use that session to keep ourselves ticking over.”
The last time these two met was on the April 6th where Tuffley secured a 2-0 win and in the reverse fixture managed to retrieve a 0-0 draw.
Before Tuffley’s recent poor results, they went a four match winning streak in the league. The former-Manchester United academy player explained, “They [the players] should be really motivated, as its not often we find ourselves on 20 points in the first week of October, they should embrace the opportunity to play with freedom.
“It’s a different mentality from what we are used to. We won’t be at our strongest with a few injuries and a suspension, which leaves four starters unavailable for the trip. We need to step up and deal with whatever comes our way.”
Tuffley Rovers currently lie 13th place on 20 points and are seven points away from a playoff spot.
Mustoe conveyed,” I’m really pleased with the start and the points tally thus far but its only a start. We would like to get more points than last season to show our year in year progress.
We need to get more goals across the team and take the pressure off our forward players. We also would like a cup run which keeps the season alive and build momentum and spirit amongst the group.”
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