HIGHWORTH'S war of attrition with Carterton was settled by a first-half own goal at the Elms.

Always a difficult side to break down, the visitors frustrated Highworth for long spells.

Sean Terry, for one, let his frustrations get the better of him and was given his marching orders for retaliating to a late tackle from former Cirencester midfielder Mark Jordan.

Jordan also received a red card following the 20th-minute incident to leave both teams with 10 men.

Matt Saye and debutant JP Mills who signed from Wantage last week both wasted decent chances but the decisive goal arrived on the half-hour mark when Carl Dodds put through his own net.

"It wasn't a great spectacle for the neutral," said Fisher.

"It was a very scrappy affair and both sides cancelled each other out.

"But Carterton are one of the top sides so the performance wasn't the issue it was a case of getting the three points."

While the performance wasn't vintage, Fisher still had plenty to smile about, with the return of start striker Justin Miller from injury late on and an encouraging debut from new signing Mills.

"Mutley (Miller) came on with a quarter of an hour to go," he added.

"That's great news to have him back and JP worked hard which was good to see.

"We know he's got a bit of ability but he ran his socks off too.

"What I also like about him is he's got a bit of arrogance.

"He believes he's a good player and that's half the battle."