WOOTTON Bassett boss Pete Yeardley predicted that Highworth might have too much quality for his men in their Hellenic League showdown. He was right.

He also said the opposition would be made to work hard for a result.

This statement was a little wider of the mark as John Fisher's charges eventually cantered to victory after overcoming an early shock.

The underdog visitors drew first blood at the Elms.

With just two minutes on the clock, Rich Willis slotted a shot under stand-in keeper Paul Haines after collecting John Magani's deflected pass.

But thoughts of an upset were soon quashed when Highworth restored parity just 90 second later as Gary Hill bundled in a Sean Terry free-kick after the referee harshly penalised Andy Hallett.

Both sides struggled to create chances in torrential rain for the remainder of the first-half, although Magani hit a post from the edge of the area on the stroke of half-time.

The hosts took the lead for the first time 10 minutes into the second period when an unmarked Matty Saye converted a brilliant Wayne Cleverly cross.

Hill made it three in the 70th minute, tucking home another centre, this time from JP Mills' corner.

Dave Tyler squandered a number of chances to reduce arrears before Paul Cooper made it 4-1, tapping in from close range.

Yeardley felt the final margin flattered Bassett's local rivals.

"I didn't think 4-1 was a fair reflection," he said.

"We created as many chances as they did. The difference was the quality of the finishing.

"From my point of view I'm happy with the way we were able to break them down so many times.

"If we were better finishers it would have been 4-4."

Fisher couldn't disagree with his opposite number.

"I don't think there were three goals between the two teams," he said.

"First half we were very poor and I told them so at half-time although the conditions didn't help.

"Second half, we just took our chances and they didn't simple as that.

"And that's why we are where we are in the table and they are where they are."

The victory lifts Highworth up to third in the Premier Division, while Bassett are sixth from bottom.