Hughes faces up to reality

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 30th Jan 2006.

IF Cirencester Town were in a boxing bout, manager Brian Hughes believes they would already be on the canvas as they struggle to compete with the big boys' of the Southern League Premier Division.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to Cheshunt leaves the Centurions just three points off the relegation zone as they struggle to repeat last season's heroics.

Flirtation with the play-off places last campaign had left expectations high at the Corinium Stadium, but Hughes insists they were punching above their weight'.

He said: "In truth we have probably found our level. Last season we were massively over-achieving and this has made people's expectations unrealistic.

"We are a small club and the difference in our budget compared to most of the other teams in this league is enormous. Financially wise it is a real mis-match.

"We seem to do well playing against the big boys but struggle for points against the teams around us. Consistency has been a big problem but we have to get on with it and go again."

Fielding the same starting line-up as the one which hammered Tiverton 4-0 last weekend, Hughes was treated to a far different display as his side were out-battled and out-fought from the start.

Michael Deane grabbed the opener on 29 minutes while substitute Bobby Highton sealed the win with seven minutes remaining.

"Two soft goals finished us. We huffed and puffed but the performance was poor," said Hughes.

Chippenham Town's new loan signing from Weymouth, Darren Wheeler, breathed fresh life into the Bluebirds' promotion push, helping them to a 2-1 win at Mangotsfield United.

Wheeler, signed for a month, had a hand in both goals as Chippenham ended a run of two league games without a win to stay hot on the heels of leaders Salisbury.

Despite the early loss of skipper Gary Thorne through injury, Alan Griffin headed the hosts ahead on 35 minutes after a driving run and cross from Wheeler.

The lead was doubled four minutes after the restart when Wheeler's incisive through ball was laid off by Griffin for Dave Gilroy to steer home.

Former Chippenham striker Martin Paul pulled one back for the hosts on 73 minutes with a deft header but it proved too little too late.

Chippenham have been drawn at home to Mangotsfield in the fifth round of the league cup with the winner of Cirencester's trip to Salisbury entertaining Hitchin.

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