HIGHWORTH Town followed up their dramatic FA Vase win with a successful return to Hellenic Premier action, beating Reading Town 3-1 at the Elms tonight.

Ryan King opened the scoring from the penalty spot after he was clipped in the box by a late challenge.

By the time Dan Drewett doubled the lead with a smart lob the Worthians were cruising, holding that score until half time.

After the break Reading came out with vigour and the game became more even, especially when the visitors pulled a goal back.

Having rested a number of players following their excursions at Tadcaster, Highworth were using the limits of their squad. In the game’s final throes boss John Fisher turned to 44-year-old veteran Paul Hunt.

The former Swindon Town man did not disappoint. With five minutes left on the clock he came inside his man and lobbed the Reading keeper from 35 yards to settle the game.

Highworth assistant Kevin Moloney was pleased with the way some the fringe players handled themselves when tasked with a starting role.

“Second half it was a faily even game and they got back in it with a good goal,” said Moloney.

“But with about five minutes to go a great goal from Paul Hunt meant it was all over.

“It was a good night, as you can imagine we had a few injuries from the weekend, so we rested a few and it was a good win.

“It was good to be able to go again after the emotional experience of Saturday. We just plough on now.

“It keeps the momentum going. The league’s going to be tough to get, we’ve got an awful lot of games in-hand. We’ve got a big game on the March 21, and you’ve got to make sure everyone is as fresh as they can be.

“We’ve got league fixtures to fulfil and you don’t want to start losing a lot of games because that wouldn’t do your confidence any good.”

There’s more Hellenic League action tonight as New College take on Fairford in the local derby.