Purton FC are finally crowned as undisputed champions (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Purton FC are finally crowned as undisputed champions

THERE were joyous celebrations at the Red House on Saturday when long-time league leaders Purton finally clinched the Division One West championship with a 3-1 home win over Quarry Nomads.

Needing only a draw to win the title, Purton picked up all three points before hearing that their closest rivals, Ross Town, had gone down 5-1 at Ardley United, writes Alan Eastwood.

And defeat also for Shriven-ham at Harrow Hill made victory that much more sweeter for the Purton faithful.

In what has been a remarkable season for Purton, Saturday's success extended an unbeaten league sequence to 33rd matches that had seen 23 victories and ten draws.

However, having also won seven games at the end of the previous season meant an unbeaten 40-match record since Purton have lost a league fixture.

This marvellous achievement is down to the efforts of Alan Clark, his assistant Steve Paish and all the players who have donned the 'red' of Purton FC.

This title win is the second time the club has become the champions as, back in 1995/6, they won it - but only by a single point when they won their final game at Kidlington.

Last Saturday, though, the Quarry Nomads visitors shocked their hosts by going in front after ten minutes when McMahon headed over Purton keeper Alford.

The Nomads had a couple of useful players, but Purton drew level when Mark McMeeking headed home a fine Kenny Hughes ball into the box.

Four minutes later, Mitchell Wyatt chased a through ball that was deflected out to Kenny Hughes who crossed into the box for Eurshell Fearon to staff in Purton's second.

Early in the second half, good work by Allan Webb saw his effort drop down off the crossbar, before eluding Mitchell Wyatt and Toby Clark, and Kenny Hawkins had an effort blocked by Quarry defenders.

Steve Avenell, Ritchie Saunders and Lee Curtis all came on as subs in the second and it was Steve Avenell who latched onto a ball down the middle put Purton 3-1 up.

Avenell and Curtis came close to adding further goals but, at the final whistle, players and supporters alike celebrated their team's title winning season.

Purton travel to Ardley United on Saturday (3pm ko) looking to maintain a magnificent, unbeaten league record.