IN THEIR first game since December 14, Purton ran out 2-0 winners at the Red House last Saturday, both goals coming in the second half, writes Alan Eastwood.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Div 1 West

Purton 2

Hook Norton 0

Purton included new goalkeeper Devon Brown who has just joined the club from Newbury Town, replacing Gary Stevens who has gone to Highworth Town. While it was the last game for Shannon Pocock who is moving to work in the States for the next 10 months.

Despite the long lay-off neither team appeared 'rusty' and the game was very competitive.

After an even first half, Purton had the

better of the second period, helped somewhat by the 47th-minute sending off of a 'Hookey'

defender for upending Pocock.

Marcus Hall put away the resulting penalty.

Purton were unlucky not to increase their lead after 63 minutes when three shots were blocked by the visitors' defence but they did make it 2-0 after 71 minutes when a Scott Campbell pass was latched on to by Blaine Fitzgerald who netted with a lob from 18 yards.

Fitzgerald later hit the woodwork, Dave Gee had a long-range effort tipped over the bar and Fitzgerald lobbed wide from a Gee cross.