Purton FC held its annual presentation night coupled with a Race Night at the Red House Club on Friday the 21st of May.
The Club's Main Sponsor Mr Keith Trowbridge of The Care Company presented trophies to:
Player Of The Season - Ashley Gooch
Players Player - Johnny Coole
Supporters Player - Johnny Coole
Training Award - James Townsend
Moost Improved Player - Jamie Richards
Sporting Award - Sean Farrell
Purton also have a new website - www.purtonfc.co.uk - this replaces the previous site www.purtonfc.net.
Purton Sixes - 8th May
The Purton FC six-a-side football Tournament for Adults will take place at the Red House Ground, Purton on Saturday June 5 commencing at 10.30am
Teams entering cannot be accepted without an FA Affiliation number. Entry fee per team will be £40 payable to PURTON FC The Tournament will be restricted to 30 teams on a first come first serve basis. It will consist of 6 groups of five teams playing on three pitches. Teams that compete are advised to reduce the number of cars players travel in due to limited parking space. A £1 charge per vehicle will be made on the day.
There will be a refreshment bar open for food and drinks, and the Red House Club will be open from noon.
Entry forms for the competition can be obtained by contacting:-
Mrs Janice Kuczynski
26 Manton Street
Rodbourne
Swindon SN 2 2AL
Telephone 01793 347036 or email: jkuczynski@btinternet.com The closing date for entries is May 24.
Purton Presentation Evening - 2nd May
The football club's Annual Presentations will take place at the Red House Club on Friday the 21st of May from 7.30pm onwards. The presentations will be followed by a Club Race Night afterwards, a function the club have found to be a worthy fund-raiser.
As previously notified the Club will be running an Adult 6 a side Competition on Saturday the 5th of June at the Red House ground. Full details on this event will be published on this web-site in the next few days.
Another Defeat - 26th April
Purtons recent loss of form continued on Saturday when they lost to a 46th minute goals netted by Lee Clarke of Lydney Town. Purton had chances in the game and were unforunate when great efforts by Steven May and James Townsend rattled the Lydney wood-work that might well have set up a win. But with Stephen Avenall, Pete Temple, Warren Fuller, Johnny Coole, Marcus Hall and Johnny Cowley not available for the match they failed to compete fully as a side and sadly saw their poor recent form continue.
Double Dose Of Lydney - 23rd April
Purton complete their Division One West league programme with two games against Lydney Town in the next few days.
Tomoorow they play them at home,Purton won taht fixture 4-2 last season, then meet again on Tuesday evening at Lydney where last season Purton won 3-2.
The last month has seen the team drop out of the title race but Manager Pethick has been delighted with his teams progress this season and is looking to his players to get as many points from these two remaining matches to see they do not drop further down in the table.
For Saturdays game he has a few selection problems with several players not being available so some fringe players will be drafted back in but absentee's from Saturdays game will be available for the Tuesday night match.
Purton 6- A-Side - 21st April
Purton FC will be running a Mens six a side football Tournament at their Red House Ground on Saturday the 5th of June commencing at 10.30 am at a cost of £40 per entry
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The Tournament will be limited to 30 teams only and those entering will need an FA Affiliation number to enter - further details on how to apply will be notified on this web-site sometime next week.
On the cuurent football front, Purton's short trip to Cricklade Town on Monday evening saw the honours shared in a really competive encounter spoilt only by some average match officiating. Sam Reason gave the home side a half time lead but Purton full back Jamie Richards equalised mid-way through the second half the match ending in a 1-1 draw. Both sides had further chances in a highly charged game with Purton's Coole hitting the woodwork and Cricklade having a goal rubbed out for offside in a local derby game that was the most well contested for several seasons.
Back To Winning Ways - 19th April
Two second half goals gave Purton a 2-0 win on Saturday over Tytherington Rocks and this with several players missing.
Purton showed a marked improvement on the prev ious weeks display against Letcombe. Paul Day, just after half time gave them the lead and Marcus Hall added a second late on. In a game dominated by Purton they were unfortunate not to have scored more goals but will settle for the much needed win as they go into their local derby game tonight at Cricklade Town.
Big Improvement Required - 16th April
Purton players will need to show a marked improvement in recent form when they face league games on Saturday afternoon and Monday evening. On Saturday they go into their home game with Tytherington Rocks having lost two and drawn once in their last three games. Earlier in the season in a cracking match at Tytherington the sides shared the points in an exciting 1-1 draw with Marcus Hall notching the Purton goal and in the last three league meetings Purton hold the upper hand have won once with the other two drawn.
On Monday evening they travel to near neighbours Cricklade Town having beaten them 2-1 at home a couple of weeks ago that was a poor game for what is expected in derby games. Although over the seasons Cricklade have had the better of matches between the sides, Purton have won the last three league games 2-1, 3-1 and 2-1.
Good results against both these teams is imperative as Purton have slipped from top slot to 5th in the table the past few weeks and want to finish as high as they can after a really good season that has only faltered during the past month.
For Saturday's game against Tytherington, Manager Chris Pethick will select from:- Farrell, Cowley, Temple, Lees, Townsend, Richards, Coole, May, Hall, Fuller, Day, Gooch, Cadden, Campbell, Webb, Avenall and Child.
Title Challenge Evaporates - 12th April
After Saturday's 4-2 home defeat, by Letcombe, Purton are bitterly disappointed to have dropped out of the title race, few weeks ago looked a real possibility of achieving.
Manager Chris Pethick states "A few weeks ago after wins over North Leigh and Cricklade Town the lads seem to have lost their way after the local derby defeat against Wootton Bassett, a dour draw with Trowbridge Town and on Saturday against Letcombe we did not lose the game but rather threw it away gifting Letcome all four of their goals with some terrible defending".
"On a pitch that was rock hard and the ball difficult to control too many times we played ourselves in trouble by
overplaying and Letcombe took advantage of that. Defensively we were awful and even up front failed when creating good openings and even missed a spot kick. With proven goalscorers Avenall and Fuller not playing we lacked a cutting edge and at this time of the season we needed that. We have 4 matches left, 2 at home and 2 away and even should we win all those the points tally I'm sorry to say wont be enough this season. The lads have done really well this season but they seem to have run out of steam at the wrong time which is what saddens me the most."
Improvement Demanded - 9th April
Chris Pethick is demanding a much improved team display from his side tomorrowwhen they play hosts to Letcombe at the Red House.
IEaster Bank Holiday Monday saw the team share the points in a 1-1 draw with Trowbridge Town, a well below par peformance all round, he's hoping their poor showing on that day will not be repeated in Saturday's game.
The club has an excellent record against their opponents. The teams have met 27 times in Hellenic games with Purton winning 17, Letcombe 8 with just 2 drawn games, Purton having netted 65 goals and Letcombe 45.
Cash Input - 7th April
Purton are delighted by the response by "groundhoppers" and others who have applied to the club for Purton FC enamel badges and applying for copies of their Hellenic Matchday programmes for matches played this season in the Club's league and cup matches.
Applications have come in from all parts of the UK and some European countries which has brought in extra revunue to the club, much appreciated these days when cash is at a premium.
The Hellenic web-site has obviously helped enormously with the response the club has had and other clubs should advertise their programmes and badges if they have one and benefit by the extra revenue it can create.
Webmaster - From what Purton have experienced, I am prepared to add a section to the league website where all clubs can show their club badges, and advertise programmes. If you want your club to be included, email webmaster@hellenicleague.co.uk with a good image of your club badge, an image of a programme cover, the prices you want to sell at.
Effectively I'll advertise the product, free of charge, on the website, with an e-mail link to a nominated person in your club, the rest is down to you. You take the orders, deal with the financial side, post out the products, and benefit from the proceeds.
Double Frustration - 6th April
The Easter Holiday programme caused Purton double frustration. Easter Saturdays local derby at Cricklade Town called off after several pitch inspections at 2.15pm and Easter Mondays home game ended in a very disappointing 1-1 draw with South Wiltshire visitors Trowbridge Town.
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A first half goal from Johnny Coole gave the club the lead but conceded an 85th minute equalising goal by Meredith gave the visitors a share of the points. Despite creating other good chances and hitting the bar it was a well below par performance, probably their worst of the season to date and the defeat has somewhat dented their league title aspirations.
A big improvement is needed when they entertain Letcombe at home in their next league match.
Another "Derby" Match - 1st April
On Saturday Purton visit near neighbours Cricklade Town, for their third derby match in three weeks.
Two weeks ago at home they defeated Saturday's opponents at the Red House 2-1 in a mediocre match and last Saturday lost 2-1 at home to another local rival Wootton Bassett Town who won again in midweek and are now 5 points ahead of Purton albeit we have two games in hand. The club will be hopeful the game at Cricklade goes ahead but with heavy rain forecast over the next 48 hours and Cricklade's pitch not a good one for holding the water the game could be in doubt.
Tuesday night the club should have played at Lydney Town but that was called off at 4pm because their ground was waterlogged. After Saturday's game, if it goes ahead, the club face another match on Easter Monday at the Red House with Trowbridge Town the visitors to the village, the game kicking off at 3pm.
Team news: Avenall and Miller are not available and Purton have several other injury problems and so will select from: Cowley, Farrell, Temple, Richards, Roper, Townsend, Lees, Coole, Hall, May, Gooch, Webb, Cadden, Campbell, Fuller, Day
First Half Costs - 29th March
In front of their largest crowd of the season a poor first half in which they failed to get a decent effort on target near neighbours Wootton Bassett took all three points in a 2-1 win and hoisted themselves above Purton in the Division One West.
A mistake let in James Turner to score Bassett's first with a great shot and Ryan Banks with another great shot gave Bassett a 2-0 half tme lead. A half time rollicking and 2 substitutions in the 2nd half saw Purton get back into things and Johnny Coole with some magic in the box reduced the arrears. Marcus Hall cleared of the Purton goal-line just after the Coole goal and Purton saw James Townsend, Marcus Hall, Allan Webb and Pete Temple efforts just wide, locked and saved as they attempted to prevent defeat but Bassett's defence held firm in a last 20 minutes dominated by Purton but Bassett's early strikes proved decisive on the day.
National Press Coverage - 29th March
As reported a few weeks back Purton have been included in Football Focus magazine Issue 2010 -07 along with Watford, Wick Academy, Brighouse Town Beith Juniors, Ponteland United, Bridgwater Town, Camberley Town, South Sheilds United, Fraserburgh, Turriff United, Buckland Athletic, Worcester Park, Daventry Town, Annan Athletic, plus Kidlington from our own Hellenic Premier Division.
It is a credit to the Hellenic League that national magazines have honed inon teams like Purton and Kidlington. The magazine at a cost of £3.50 is excellent value for money and gives a good insight to all the teams included.
Order the magazine through you local newsagent or contact GARETH@SPORTIP.BIZ or telephone on 01912413209, they will be glad to send you a copy or any futher issues should you not be able to get one from local news agents.
Another Local Derby - 26th March
Tomorrow at the Red House Purton and Wootton Bassett Town managers Chris Pethick and Dave Turner see their sides lock horns in Purton's second derby match in two weeks.
Both sides go into Saturday's match after wins last week with Purton having beaten local rivals Cricklade Town 2-1 last Saturday and on Tuesday night Bassett defeated Winterbourne United 4-2. Earlier in the season at Bassett two goals by Warren Fuller gave Purton a share of the points in a well contested match that ended 2 - 2.
Since the 1989/90 season the teams have met a total of 41 times in the league with Purton winning 12, Bassett 9 with 10 matches drawn. Purton have the better of goals scored buts its close, 44-39. With both sides still in the 'mix' to take the league title the game is sure to be another well contested match and both Managers will be hoping their side will take all three points and neither will want the draw. With Cheltenham Saracens, Slimbridge and Headington Amateurs also still in the hunt it promises to be an exciting finish this season which can only be good for the Hellenic League.
Purton still have Justin Miller out and Stephen Avenell (virus) while Adrian Roper is suspended. Manager Pethick will select from: Coole, Cowley, Temple, Lees, Townsend, Richards, Hall, Gooch, Webb, Cadden, Fuller, Day, May, Campbell, Bowen
Purton Gain "Braggin' Rights"! - 22nd March
Two excellent goals gave Purton the bragging rights over near neighbours Cricklade Town on Saturday in a 2-1 win. Although not a classic, and marred by several yellow and a red card, the game will best be remembered by a 1st minute 25 yard free kick netted by skipper Johnny Coole and a Marcus Hall thunderbolt from fully 25 yards on 86 minutes that were excellent strikes. Adam Smith netted from the penalty spot in added time for Cricklade Town.
The teams meet again on Easter Saturday at Cricklade while the club have another derby this Saturday when Wootton Bassett Town are the visitors
First Of Two Home Derbies - 19th March
On Saturday Purton play hosts to near neighbours Cricklade Town in the first of two local derby matches. Saturday's game will be followed by another one next week when Wootton Bassett Town visit’s the Red House. Since joining the Hellenic League visitors Cricklade have won 5 drawn 1 and lost 2 of the games played, in fact last season saw Purton's only two wins doing the double over their neighbours 3-1 away and 2-1 at the Red House.
Games between the teams over the past few season have not had the edge as they look they might have this time around with players from both sides having played for each other over the years. Purton have James Townsend, Stephen Avenall and Lee Bowen in their ranks who have played for Cricklade while Cricklade have a former Manager of Purton's, Graham Jackson and Adam Smith, Sam Reason, Chris Green and Richard Blankley have all donned Purton shirts in the past.
Purton go into the game without Justin Miller who is still recovering from illness, Adrian Roper is suspended and Paul Day is on holiday. Manager Chris Pethick will select his team from: Johnny Cowley, Warren Fuller, Steven May, Tom Cadden, Lee Bowen, James Townsend, Allan Webb, Jamie Richards, Michael Lees, Pete Temple, Ashley Gooch, Stephen Avenell, Johnny Coole, Marcus Hall and Scott Campbell.
The chase for the championship is hotting up with five teams in contention Purton, Wootton Bassett, Slimbridge, Cheltenham Saracens and Headington Amateurs who put themselves right back into things with 1-0 win at Saracens in mid-week. All the sides in the chase will fancy their chances, the next few fixtures for all teams very important they stay on track.
Pethick Hails Team Character - 15th March
Following their 3-2 away win at North Leigh Reserves last Saturday Manager Pethick was full of praise for his side.
Stating. "Following our 17 match unbeaten league run I and my players were disappointed in our two league defeats in the games with Cheltenham Sarcens and Easington Sports when we peformed below par. On Saturday after going 2-0 down and this despite having plenty of possession if it had been a boxing match most teams would have thrown in the towel but the lads showed great character to come back from a two goal deficit and showed great determination to turn things around and hopefully we can continue in this vein and continue to play our part in whats proving to be a great race for the One West championship"
Purton Fend Off Approaches - 12th March
A sign that the club is enjoying a good season to date has meant that in the past week 7 day approaches for two of the Purton's players have been received from two Hellenic Premier sides.
The players in question have been informed but both have pledged their allegiance to the club which manager Chris Pethick and staff are really pleased about.
Three points is imperative to keep Purton in the hunt for honours and for their visit to North Leigh Reserves on Saturday manager Pethick will select his team from: Johnny Cowley, Adrian Roper, James Townsend, Lee Bowen, Jamie Richards, Ashley Gooch, Johnny Coole, Marcus Hall, Steven May, Warren Fuller, Stephen Avenall, Paul Day, Tom Cadden, Scott Campbell.
Not As Bad As First Feared - 9th March
Without a league game last week-end the Purton feared the worst as all the other title chasing clubs were in league action. But things turned out better than expected as only Cheltenham Saracens who have now played three games more than Purton, and Headington Amateurs, narrowly won their games. Whilst Wootton Bassett Town and Slimbridge both dropped points in drawn matches.
Purton visit North Leigh Reserves this coming week, following that with two home local derbies against Cricklade Town and Wootton Bassett Town, then a mid-week trip to Lydney Town at the end of the month.
At North Leigh the club will be hoping to get back to winning ways after two losses against Chelteham Saracens and Easington Sports to keep them in contention in what is proving to be keenly contested chase for the Division 1 West title.
Blank Red House Saturday - 5th March
With no fixture tommorrow Purton will probably have some catching up to do when they are away at North Leigh Reserves next week as all the other promotion challenging teams are all in action and all look likely to pick up maximum points in their games this Saturday.
With nine games still left to play, the club has only three away and six at the Red House in their run in, but its wide open at the moment and all those in contention at present are in with a shout.
Sales for the club have been generated after publishing on the Hellenic website that the club had a further batch of club badges, no less that 8 application have been received in the past week, with badges despatched to two collecters in Spain, one in Germany and five UK orders from Grimsby, Hull, Wisbech, Truro and Mansfield. Obviously its good to see that the Hellenic website is widely browsed.
National Football Magazine Coverage - 3rd March
Purton has been honoured by two national football magazines by including the club in a already published an up an coming publication of their magazines.
The club is grateful to Stephen King of the NON LEAGUE DIGEST magazine for reviewing the clubs match-day programme that appeared in issue 43 on the 19th of February. Stephen King informs me that anyone not already a member can obtain
a free issue of a recent magazine by contacting him at steveking@nonleaguedigest.com or visit the website www.nonleaguedigest.com as they look to increase on customer subcriptions.
FOOTBALL FOCUS magazine has also obtained details from the club for inclusion in a forthcoming issue of their magazine which will give an insight into the clubs history and future plans. The club are grateful to Robbie Thompson and Gareth Scorer from the magazine's HQ at Newcastle upon Tyne for contacting the Club and including them in a future issue of the magazine.
Purton chairman Alan Eastwood comments."It's nice that the Hellenic league club's like Purton are being approached by magazines like this that are interested in football teams from the lower regions of our national game."
Purton Hoping To Bounceback - 26th February
Manager Chris Pethick, his assistant Sean Clark, will be hoping the team put the disappointment of last weeks 2-0 defeat at Cheltenham Saracens that cost them their 17 match unbeaten league sequence. Which also saw Saracens takeover the Division One West leadership.
Purton will be looking to get back on track when they hosts to Easington Sports at the Red House on Saturday. Earlier in the season a solitary goal by Paul Blagden earned Purton the points in a 1-0 win but are expecting a tough game against a side who on their day are a match for anyone in the league.
In the last 8 meetings in the league Purton have won 4 and Easington 2 with 2 draws, overall the teams have met 41 times in the Hellenic league with Purton winning 21 times, Easington 9 times with 12 matches drawn.
Having sold their intial stock of 100 badges the club have aquired a new batch, which are available now.
Anyone interested in purchasing one at £3 each can apply to Alan Eastwood 12 Hylder Close, Woodhall Park, Swindon SN2 2SL, Wiltshire for a badge or badges. Please send a SAE plus a cheque payable to "Purton Football Club" and a badge
or badges will be sent by return of post.
Purton Departures - 23rd February
Paul Blagden a regular member of Purton's Hellenic League side for the last several seasons has moved to Kent and into a new job. Paul was an excellent team player and valuable member of the squad. A hardworking midfield player he had a great engine and always gave his team 100% in every game he played. We wish him and his family all the best in their new location.
Russell Fuller (right) older brother of Warren at the club who played early on in the season and scored probably one of the best Purton's goals this season in their first game of the season a 3-2 win at Trowbridge Town has because of injury problems in the foot and ankle areas been advised not to play by the medical services. Whether this is permanent is unsure but certainly Russell will not be donning the "red" again this season.
More positve player news for Purton. Justin Miller is up and about and looking a lot better after his bout of pneumonia and is hopeful of spectating at the club's home match this Saturday when Purton host Easington Sports at the Red House.
Purton Still Rolling - 19th February
Without a league defeat since their 2nd match of the season back in August, Purton will extend their unbeaten league record to 18 matches if they can avoid defeat away against Cheltenham Saracens this Saturday.
Earlier in the season at the Red House Purton ran out 5-1 winners thanks to a hat-trick by Johnny Coole, and other goals by Tom Cadden and Ashley Gooch but the Saracens have have improved a lot since that defeat and are a well organised side with a potent strike force. Purton have won the last three league encounters and overall have met the Saracens 35 times in league matches in the Hellenic winning 17 drawing 8 and losing 10. Purton's management team and the players know this will be a difficult match and an important one for both sides as both are in the hunt for the championship along with Slimbridge, and Wootton Bassett Town.
Justin Miller is still out recovering from pneumonia so Manager Chis Pethick will select his team from: Farrell, Temple, Lees, Townsend, Roper, Richards, Coole, Hall, Gooch,Avenall, Day, Fuller, May, Bowen, Campbell, Cadden.
Back To Winning Ways ? - 13th February
After two league draws against Tytherington Rocks and Headington Amateurs, Purton will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they visit Cirencester United today. Losing the leadership of One West to Slimbridge last week as they played and won whilst Purton were without a game, Slimbridge took over on goal difference but Purton do have a game in hand. A win or a draw in tomorrow's game will see Purton extend their unbeaten league run to 17 games.
Justin Miller is currently still off work after suffering pneumonia and is making steady progress from his illness. All at Purton would like to thank those Club Secretaries who have emailed the club asking for an update on Justin's progress.
Return Of The Webb - 3rd February
Last Saturday against Headington Amateurs Purton welcomed back one of their former players Allan Webb who rejoined the club on Friday after playing for the past few seasons with Malmesbury Victoria.
Allan was a member of Purtons 2003/4 championship winning side and since playing at Malmesbury has been their club captain and an important part of their side playing in midfield or up front and scoring quite a few goals in his time with them. Still only 28 years of age Allan is a great addition to the squad and when he settles in again after a few games will prove to be a great signing by the club.
First Home Game In 7 Weeks? - 29th January
Purton play hosts to Headington Amateurs this coming Saturday, weather permitting with Purton in top slot and their visitors lying in 4th place. Without a game at the Red House since the 12th of December the Purton locals will be hoping more bad weather does not lead to another cancellation.
Earlier in the season the sides shared the points in a 2-2 draw and both sides go into Saturday's game on the back of excellent league results. Purton unbeaten in their last 15 games, winning 11 and drawing the other 4 while Headington can boast 10 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses in their last 15 league games.
Purton will still be without Avenalll (holiday), Townsend and Cowley (injured) and Miller (recovering from illness).
Purton will select from:- Farrell, Richards, Coole. M.Hall,Temple,W.Fuller, Cadden, Roper, Gooch, Lees, Bowen, May, Day, Campbell.
Former Skipper Returns- 22nd January
Veteran defender and former club captain Adrian Roper (pictured) has returned to One West club Purton FC after playing half a season in the Premier Division with Malmesbury Victoria and is added to Purton's squad for their league visit to Tytherington Rocks this Saturday.
James Townsend is doubtful with an ankle injury while Johnny Cowley is also still recovering from injury, Justin Miller now at home recovering from pneumonia, Stephen Avenall is on holiday and Paul Blagden who has moved to Kent are all unavailable
Purton President and Club Chairman Alan Eastwood is pleased to report that Justin Miller who was admitted to hospital over Christmas has now been released after suffering pneumonia and RSV.
Now at home Justin, who has lost considerable weight, after his ordeal with his illness will probably have to take things easy and likely to remain off work for 4-6 weeks as he needs to rest and continue on prescribed mediication. Living just a stones-throw away from his President/Chairman Alan states, 'I popped in to see Justin on Saturday lunch-time and gave Justin and his wife assurance that I was on hand to give them any assistance they might need as he re-cooperates from his illness'
The whole of Purton FC and those in the Hellenic family wish Justin a speedy and complete recovery.
Update On Justin Miller - 11th January
Purton player Justin Miller, who was admitted to hospital on Boxing Day, is still in hospital and has been in intensive care and on a ventilator after being admitted with pneumonia. His wife and child that were also admitted at the time have since been released from hospital. Further updates will be notified as and when known and everyone at the club is hoping Justin will overcome his illness soon.
On the football side Purton players have tried to get some training periods in during the current bad spate of weather but facilities are hard to come by as many of the local training centres have been closed. Whether the club will get to play away at Lydney Town this coming Saturday will again be in doubt but are hoping, as all other Hellenic clubs are, that their sides will get back into action at the weekend.
Loss Of A Legend - 7th January
The start of 2010 has seen Purton FC lose Harry Bunce, probably the best ever player to represent the club, who sadly passed away on the 2nd of January
Harry was a regular member of Purton side's in the 40s to the 60s and won many honours with the club including three Wiltshire league titles and three Wiltshire Senior Cups plus many other local cups run by Malmesbury, Cirencester and Hospital cup trophies and gained Wiltshire County honours in his long and brillant career in what were brillant Purton sides"
Club President and Chairman Alan Eastwood states "I joined the club in 1972 and although I did not see him play locals tell me and that has been confirmed by all the newspaper reports and club records I have at hand that Harry was a legend at Purton Football Club. He was a 100 per cent player on the field who, whatever the weather conditions, never got his shorts dirty and was a real gentlemen off the pitch to boot." Purton Football Club offer his wife Edna and all his family and relations their deepest sympathy on the loss of Harry who wont be forgotten. The funeral will take place at St Mary's Church, Purton on Monday the 18th January 2010 at 11am followed by cremation at Kingsdown. Family flowers only.
Bad News for Purton - 30th December
Sad news over Christmas for the club when Justin Miller was admitted to hospital on Boxing day with his wife and one of his children with swine flu. Since then Justin has been diagonised with bacterial and viral pneumonia. The Club wish them all a complete recovery from these illness's.
Although limited due to other committments in the games he has played Justin (pictured) has been a key member of the squad and his vast experience at higher levels has helped Purton to be where they are currently at the top end of their league. Saturday they play hosts to near neighbours Wootton Bassett Town. Both sides are currently on long unbeaten league runs and earlier in the season the points were shared at Bassett 2-2, Warren Fuller netting a brace that day.
The weather will again have a big say as to whether the game will be played. Both sides will be hoping to get some football played as both have had long lay-offs due to the recent awful weather conditions. Stephen Avenall (holiday) and of course Justin Miller will be missing but Manager Pethick still has a 16 man squad to pick from in what should be the game of the day if the weather allows the fixture to go ahead.
Boxing Day Jeopardy - 24th December
Purton's local derby Boxing day game at the Red House against Cricklade Town is still in jeopardy due to the heavy frosts and snow but the Club will be giving it every chance to get the game played.
Chairman Alan Eastwood will be contacting the match officials later on Thursday evening to ascertain the latest information and to find out their latest travelling times for the Boxing Day 12 noon kick off. Neighbours Cricklade due to the short distance they have to travel should not be a problem so a final decision can be made early on Boxing day morning.
Paul Day returns to the squad but Stephen Aveneall will not be available to play against one of his former club's as he will be in Australia and New Zealand for 5 weeks or so on a pre-planned holiday he had arranged while playing with Malmesbury Vics. Stephen is very disappointed to miss the game, luckily fot Purton other strikers are available to Manager
Chris Pethick who if the game goes ahead and they win will extend his sides unbeaten league run to 15 games.
Visitors Crickalde Town have had the better of league meetings since they joined the Hellenic league winning 5 drawing 1 and losing just 2, both tose defeats being Purtons 3-1and 2-1 victory's.
Top Of The Table Clash - 4th December
Division One West second placed Purton travel to 'Top Dogs' Slimbridge this Saturday in a league encounter weather permitting. Visitor's Purton and go into the game on the back of a 12 match unbeaten league run. That twelve match run sees Purton just a point behind their opponents but with two games in hand.
In the second match of the season on 15th August leaders Slimbridge won 4-0 at the Red House. Purton were well beaten that day but since then their team has been strengthened and with only one game played in last three weeks due to the awful weather conditions are itching to get back into things. Keeper Johnny Cowley has still not recovered from injury so Sean Farrell will again deputise and Justin Miller is unavailable for this important game. Apart from these two players Manager Chris Pethick has a large squad to pick from including the recent re-signiing of Marcus Hall from Wootton Bassett who played in he Wilts League Premier clash last week at Marlborough Town scoring in their 2-1 victory .
This is an important game for both sides and hopefully it will provide some good football from both sides on the day.
Hot Shot Avenall Hunting More - 26th November
Weather permitting, Purton travel to meet local rivals Cricklade Town this Saturday the first of two games in the next few weeks, the return game at the Red House on Boxing Day with a 12 noon kick off time.
The Cricklade Town pitch does not hold up well to the wet weather but both sides will be hoping to get the game played but once again the game will be in "the lap of the gods".
Purton have Paul Day available after suspension but still have injury doubts over Mike Lees and Johnny Cowley. Stephen Avenall (pictured) a Cricklade lad who has been a prolific scorer so far for Purton netting 11 goals in 3 matches will be hoping to continue his fine scoring habit against the club he first started playing for before going on to have spells with Purton previously, Shrivenham and Carterton.
If Tomorrow Was Today - 20th November
It's a pity that Purton's Wilts Senior Cup tie this Saturday could not take place today (Friday) as despite the wet weather yesterday the Red House Pitch is in fine fettle for the re-arranged game tomorrow (1.45pm) but the weather forecasted, yet again might prove to be the winner.
Purton will carry out a pitch inspection at 10.30 on Saturday morning if rain falls overnight but are hoping to ge the match played to prevent falling behind on their league programme.
Latest team news is that keeper Johnny Cowley wont be fit so Sean Farrell will deputise. As mentioned in previous news Paul Day is suspended and Lee Bowen cup-tied but Justin Miller has recovered from an injury that has kept him ut a few weeks and Marcus Hall who has arrived back from Wootton Bassett will also be in the squad.
Disappointed Purton - 16th November
Purton were disappointed that last Saturdays Wiltshire Senior Cup tie had to be called off at 11 am on the morning of the match against Laverstock and Ford from the Wessex League because of the heavy and persistent rain that had waterlogged both goal areas, writes Alan Eastwood.
The game will take place at the Red House this Saturday (1.45pm) kick off and so the planned Division One West league game due to be played at home against Lydney Town will be re-scheduled by the league. Manager Pethick will have a full squad to pick from with the exceptions of Paul Day (suspended), Lee Bowen (cup-tied) while regular keeper Johnny Cowley who is carrying an injury could be replaced by Sean Farrell.
After the weekend results in the Hellenic Division One West, Purton still hold onto top slot by two points with a game in hand from Slimbridge. But the "A"s from Headington have closed the gap and are six points behind in third place.
First Time In Six Years -12th November
Following their league win over Winterbourne United last week and previous league leaders Slimbridge losing at Headington and also losing points along with other high riding teams due to the withdrawal from the League of Harrow Hill it now means that Chris Pethick and his team find themselves "top of the shop" in Hellenic League Divison One West. For the first time since the 2003/4 season when they won the One West under Alan Clark, undefeated all season.
This Saturday Purton miss out on league action as they play hosts to Laverstock & Ford from the Wessex League in the 2nd Round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup Competition.
Justin Miller is unavailable while Paul Day is suspended but Warren Fuller returns after injury and Manager Pethick will choose between Johnny Cowley and Sean Farrell for the goal-keeping slot.
After joining Wootton Bassett Town at the start of this season Marcus Hall (pictured) has re-signed for the club having made only 5 appearances in Bassett's First and Reserve teams. A skillful midfielder he will be vying for a place where Purton already have other good mid-fielders in Johnny Coole, Steven May, Paul Blagden,Ashley Gooch, Scott Campbell and Ryan Child.
Third Meet This Season - 6th November
Tomorrow Purton entertain Winterbourne United in a league game. This will be the 3rd meeting this season with Purton having won 5-0 on their patch in the league and beating them in a penalty shoot out at the Red House 4-3 in the Bluefin Challenge Cup, but failed to progress last week going out 2-0 to Premier league side Fairford Town.
Games with Winterbourne are always well contested and another of these is expected tomorrow at the Red House. Purton are hopeful that Steve Avenell and Steven May, Justin Miller and Johnny Cowley will be fit to play but Paul Blagden and Ashley Gooch will both miss Saturdays game.
Manager Chris Pethick has dipped into the transfer market and has snapped up Lee Bowen (pictured) from Cricklade Town and Steven Keir from Swindon Supermarine to add to already impressive squad of players and is hopeful his side can continue their good league form and maintain their high league placing.
Former player Marcus Hall is also considering a move back from Wootton Bassett Town which will make team selections even more difficult for Manager Pethick.
Gunning For Win - 30th October
Purton manager Chris Pethick admitted that whilst the Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup was not a major priority, his team would very much be gunning for the win.
“From our point of view the league is our top priority, but it’s nice to have a bit of a cup run,” he said. “We’ve got quite a big squad this year so we are using the cup run to get people games. Fairford is a big game and it’s always nice to beat a team in a higher league. To win it will be a bonus but if we lose it will not be too soul-destroying.”
Pethick also revealed he had a seven day approach in for an unnamed midfielder, while he was last night considering putting another in for a defender. The Purton chief was in the dark over his absences this weekend but opposite number Paget revealed he is waiting on the fitness of Martin Stratford (ankle).
Purton Progress - 23rd October
Manager Chris Pethick after a two week break in Mexico was delighted on is return to find that his assistant Sean Clark and his players had progressed in the Wilts Senior Cup with a 3-0 win over New College, Swindon and and won last weeks Hellenic League match 9-0 away at Launton Sports.
This Saturday in what would appear to be the match of the day Purton travel to Addison Road to meet Easington Sports who like Purton are in a good run of form. On the twenty league visits Purton have made to Addison Road they have won 9 drawn 5 and lost 6. Returning to the squad this week after missing last weeks game are Steve May and Justin Miller. Only the two Fuller brothers Warren and Russell are not available due to injuries so Manager Pethick will have almost a full squad to pick from, a nice position to be in but will provide him with some tough decisions to make on his final 16 team selection. One player who will surely figure in the starting line up is Steve Avenell who notched "six" of his sides nine goals last week-end, a Purton record for a player making his debut for the club
Avenell Re-Signs For Purton - 16th October
After several seasons away, playing at Shrivenham and Malmesbury Vics', Steve Avenell has re-signed for the club. Avenall was part of a mass exodus of players who left the club at the end of the 2003/4 season, after winning the Division One West title without losing all season, in which Steve played a big part by scoring regularly. Steve was also a member of then manager Alan Clark's side that won the Supplementary Cup in 2001/2.
President and Chairman Alan Eastwood is delighted by the signing saying "Steve was a first class player for us and was well liked by the Purton supporters for always giving 100 per cent. A Cricklade lad, Steve could well have returned to his grass roots side, but elected to join us. He will add further experience to the side that also has Justin Miller and Paul Day in the ranks, both of whom have been there and done it"
Purton travel to lowly Launton tomorrow and Avenell has been added to the squad, though Warren and Russell Fuller are still out injured. With a positive run of 11 league and cup games behind them, and despite the home sides l owly placing, Purton will not be the taking game for granted.
Committed Encounter Expected - 3rd October
After cup success last weekend in a penalty shoot-out against Winterbourne United both teams meet again today in a Division One West encounter at The Red House Ground.
Following the very competitive match last weekend the game today will just as committed by both outfits. Purton will be without Warren Fuller who will be out of action for a few months following his knee ligament damage a couple of weeks ago and Justin Miller who went off last week with a hamstring injury. Steven May will also be absent due to work committments but Tom Cadden, Ryan Childs and Scott Campbell all return after holidays.
Goal Getter Injured - 25th September
The weekend's Bluefin Insurance Challenge cup tie at the Red House between Purton and Winterbourne United should have seen two of the leagues leading goal-getters up against other, Purton's Warren Fuller and Winterbourne United's Jimmy Potts with ten goals already apeice this season.
Sadly for Purton, Warren Fuller (left) was injured after 40 minutes at Clanfield last Saturday after a collision with the home keeper and will be out of action for some-time after it was confirmed he has sustained knee ligament damage. This is a sad blow to Purton as Warren's goals have been vital the past three seasons.
Purton do have a replacement however as making his debut last week was ex Highworth Town and Wantage Town striker Paul Day who netted in that match. Although not match fit after a long lay off in the long term he could prove to be a shrewd signing by Manager Chris Pethick.
Purton are already a striker short as Russell Fuller, Warren's brother has not played for several weeks and his future due to his injuries are a worry as well. Former striker James Richards has signed on and he like Day when fit could well give Manager Pethick options later in the season. For tomorrow's match Purton welcome back Paul Blagden and Ashley Gooch
Tom Cadden and Steve Hall who all took knocks last week are hopeful they will have recovered to be included in selection.
Make It A Long Summer -18th September
Purton's summer success looks set to extend in to autumn - and long may it continue in the eyes of boss Chris Pethick.
The Red House outfit currently sit second in the Hellenic League Division One West with just one league defeat to their name all season, and travel to Clanfield tomorrow hoping for another three points.
Pethick revealed he demanded an impressive first couple of weeks from his players before the start of the campaign, and has been delighted with their lengthy response. “I asked them for a good August and it’s continued into September,” admitted the manager. “I’m not going to complain at that. The lads have put in a great effort and you can’t expect any more from them. It’s been a pretty good start and to only have been beaten once, I’d settle for that at this moment. We’ve become a bit tighter than we were last season, but we’re still scoring quite a few goals. It’s looking good.”
Justin Miller is a doubt for Purton this weekend, but they will definitely be without midfielder Paul Blagden.
Free Scoring - 10th September
Purton meet Headington Amateurs away this Saturday in a game if recent form is anything to go by will see both sides able to score freely whilst both defences will be hoping to prevent the ball going into their net, Purton having conceeded 16 times so far and Headington one behind on 15.
Purton will still be without striker Russell Fuller but his brother Warren will be hoping to add to the nine goals he has netted already this season. Cuff will no doubt be looking to increase Amateurs goals scored tally and will be in the same frame of mind. Purton, apart from Russel Fuller, hope to have a full squad to pick from. The teams have met 34 times in Hellenic league encounters with Purton winning 14 with 10 draws whilst Headington have won 10 times.
Sad news for the Club is that a former player Martin 'Bunny' Bunce aged 55 passed away on September the 6th. 'Bunny' never played in the Hellenic but back in 70's and 80's was a regular Purton player in the Wilts and County leagues at both First and Reseve team levels. His funeral is at Purton's St Mary's Church at 2.30pm on Friday the 18th of September where Purton FC Management and former and current players and friends will attend. The club extends their sympathy to all his family on their sad loss.
Purton Ready To Go - 10th August
With pre-season friendly matches completed Purton start their programme with an away trip to Towbridge Town on Tuesday the 11th of Aug and a home fixture with FTL Futbol Hellenic One West newcomers Slimbridge on Saturday the 15th of Aug, somewhat of a difficult start.
Purton go into the season with Club President/Press/Programme & Hellenic Match Sec Alan Eastwood holding down the Chairmans post after Gerry Phillips re-signed in late April. After a 6th place finish last season, Purton are hoping to improve on that but know its going to be a difficult task with the league looking that much stronger this forthcoming campaign. The club have lost Adrian Roper to Malmesbury Vics, Blaine Fitzgerald to Shrivenham and Marcus Hall to local rivals Wootton Bassett Town.
New players in include Mark Brereton, Chris Rivers, Scott Campbell and Steven May. Russell Fuller who joined last season and games were restricted should be available much more often this season as he teams up with older brother Warren and with Tom Cadden. With Justin Miller and Mark Brereton the club's other available strikers on the books are hoping they can deliver the firepower up front.
The club has in hand the erection of another set of players dug-outs at their Red House Ground and are once again sponsored by The Care Company.
Pethick Hails Team Character - 15th March
Paul Blagden a regular member of Purton's Hellenic League side for the last several seasons has moved to Kent and into a new job. Paul was an excellent team player and valuable member of the squad. A hardworking midfield player he had a great engine and always gave his team 100% in every game he played. We wish him and his family all the best in their new location.
Russell Fuller (right) older brother of Warren at the club who played early on in the season and scored probably one of the best Purton's goals this season in their first game of the season a 3-2 win at Trowbridge Town has because of injury problems in the foot and ankle areas been advised not to play by the medical services. Whether this is permanent is unsure but certainly Russell will not be donning the "red" again this season.
Veteran defender and former club captain Adrian Roper (pictured) has returned to One West club Purton FC after playing half a season in the Premier Division with Malmesbury Victoria and is added to Purton's squad for their league visit to Tytherington Rocks this Saturday.
Sad news over Christmas for the club when Justin Miller was admitted to hospital on Boxing day with his wife and one of his children with swine flu. Since then Justin has been diagonised with bacterial and viral pneumonia. The Club wish them all a complete recovery from these illness's.
Weather permitting, Purton travel to meet local rivals Cricklade Town this Saturday the first of two games in the next few weeks, the return game at the Red House on Boxing Day with a 12 noon kick off time. 
This Saturday Purton miss out on league action as they play hosts to Laverstock & Ford from the Wessex League in the 2nd Round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup Competition.
Games with Winterbourne are always well contested and another of these is expected tomorrow at the Red House. Purton are hopeful that Steve Avenell and Steven May, Justin Miller and Johnny Cowley will be fit to play but Paul Blagden and Ashley Gooch will both miss Saturdays game.
The weekend's Bluefin Insurance Challenge cup tie at the Red House between Purton and Winterbourne United should have seen two of the leagues leading goal-getters up against other, Purton's Warren Fuller and Winterbourne United's Jimmy Potts with ten goals already apeice this season.