Uhlsport Hellenic Div One West

Cirencester Town ‘Dev’ 1

Purton 0

FREE-SCORING Cirencester Town 'Dev' were restricted to just one goal by derby rivals Purton but that was enough to see the youngsters win and move up to third in the league, writes Tim Arnold.

Ciren have already put 10 and eight goals past rivals this season but this was one of their least convincing performances of the campaign and Purton will feel aggrieved they did not come away with a share of the points.

With top scorer Danny Gudger suspended, Sam Walsh returned to the starting line-up for Ciren after returning from holiday.

The game started as it was to continue with neither side finding their stride and both keepers virtual spectators.

Purton had plenty of the ball in the Devs' half but were unable to find the killer pass.

On 25 minutes, Charlie Buse latched on to a through ball and found himself one on one with Wes Clark, only for the Purton keeper to pull off a smart save low to his left.

With 31 minutes gone a shot from Dan Roberts which appeared to be covered by Clark was toe-poked with his back to goal into the opposite corner of the net by Walsh.

The second half continued with neither side really stamping their authority on the game.

Around the hour mark a well-struck Purton free kick was pushed on to the bar by Adam Clatworthy in the Devs' goal following another spell of Purton possession.

Almost immediately the Devs nearly added to their score when a cheeky Buse back heel forced a quick reaction save from Clark.

Josh Coombe (twice), Joe Dorey and Joe Hiscock might all have done better with their chances for Purton and then, from somewhere, the referee managed to find six additional minutes.

With almost the last kick of the game a fierce turn and drive by Jack Duckers was turned around the post by Clatworthy at full stretch.

It was a bright end to a forgettable game.