What a difference seven days make, discovers Purton FC (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

What a difference seven days make, discovers Purton FC

WHAT a difference seven days make as, after defeating Premier League side Highworth Town in the cup a week earlier, Purton then dropped two more league points against local rivals Cirencester United.

Having played really well against Highworth, Purton produced a poor performance at their Red House ground on Saturday to share the points in a 1-1 draw, writes Alan Eastwood.

In a display they won't want to repeat, the Wiltshire team were unable to create many openings.

In fact, the game was only lit up by a great goal just before the break when Toby Clark's fine 25-yard shot beat the Cirencester keeper.

In a game in which neither side had many worthwhile efforts on goal, the visitors equalised five minutes from the end, following a three-man move down the left.

When Purton failed to make a challenge, Matt Hanks drove in a the visitors' leveller to end a disappointing affair by the hosts.

Five weeks ago, Purton held a nine-point lead at the top of the table, all of which has been lost.

But they will need to get back to basics for this Saturday's Wilts Senior Cup-tie at Downton and league matches away at Old Woodstock Town and at home to Middle Barton later in the month.

In the Wilts Premier League, Purton Res visited Warminster Town and gained a 1-0 win on a pitch that resembled a paddy field. In an evenly matched affair, Purton fielded no less than half-a-dozen 16-year-olds.

After a goal-less first half, Sam Collier put the travelling team into a lead with a goal that was to prove to be the winner.

Nonetheless, they have keeper Ben Collier to thank for a magnificent save late on that prevented their rivals from sharing the points.

In the Wiltshire Junior league, Purton A played hosts to Aldbourne Reserves.

It was 1-1 at the break with Daniel Jones netting the Purton goal. However, they fall apart in the second half, conceding four more goals to go down 5-1.

In the Cirencester League Purton B won 3-1 away against Lechlade. Early on, the visitors struggled and fell behind, but Adam Humphries put Purton level after a one to one with the Lechlade keeper.

Mark Cutter then had a spot- kick saved by the home keeper that might have given them a half-time lead. In the second half, Purton lifted their game and added two more goals.

In the first of them, Steve Fisher beat the offside trap before Ian Humphries headed home, giving Purton their tenth straight league win.