HIGHWORTH manager John Fisher is looking to beef up his lightweight side after seeing his hopes of silverware dashed by Melksham at Nursteed Road, Devizes, on Tuesday 18 March.

The Screwfix Direct Premier Division outfit's more physical approach paid dividends and they will face either Calne Town or Devizes in the final of the re-vamped competition.

Goals from Nigel Tripp, Matty Messenger and the Banks twins, Gary and Kevin, gave Robbie Lardner's side a comfortable win and left Fisher with plenty of food for thought ahead of next season.

He said: "I thought we had a good chance of winning the competition but, when we come up against a more physical side, we do struggle.

"I'm not saying the Western League is a better league, but the sides are more physical. The pitch was hard and didn't suit our style, whereas Melksham were looking to get the ball from back to front as quickly as possible.

"I don't blame them for that at all. They were the better side. They beat us 4-0 so their system has worked and ours hasn't.

"We need to add to the squad and Tuesday night showed that we need a more physical presence."

The Highworth boss felt goalkeeper Steve Hale had been to blame for three of the four goals, but refused to point the finger of blame solely in his direction.

He said: "The first two goals were bad, goalkeeping mistakes. It was the same with one of the goals in the second half. But the players in front have to compete. We didn't win the midfield battle and, if you don't do that, you are going to struggle."

Fisher has backed Melksham to go on and lift the Senior Cup at the end of the season. He said: "Devizes are going through a bad spell and will be more worried about staying up and I think Melksham would be too strong physically for Calne."

Fisher has now set his sights on a third placed finish in the Hellenic Premier Division.

He said: "North Leigh will win the league and, realistically, we will finish third or fourth.

"I'll use the remaining games this year to have a look at the lads we have there. Then we'll sit down and look at where we going for next year. Hopefully we'll push to win it."