Purton Annual Awards - 22nd May

Purton's Annual Award Presentation night took place on Saturday the 21st of May at the Red House Club Purton with awards presented by President and Chairman Alan Eastwood to the following:-
Most Improved Player Award - Ryan Child
Training Award - Tom Cadden
Sporting and Good Conduct Award - Jamie Richards
Suppporters Player of the Season - Justin Miller
Hellenic Player of the Season - Marcus Hall
Hellenic Players Player Award - Marcus Hall
Special awards went to: Wendy Phillps, Janice Kuczynski, Colin Richards and Steve and Julie Ponting.

Secretary & Sports Therapist Positions - 18th May

Purton Football club are seeking candidates for the Honorary Secretary position and a Sports Therapist (physio)

The Therapist will need minimum qualifications of the FA Intermediate Treatment of Injuries and First Aid, and would be required to be in attendance at all games in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West.

Anyone interested should contact: President/Chairman - Alan Eastwood on 01793-729844

Beaten But Not Disgraced - 9th May

Although losing out to Premier side Kidlington in the Supplementary Cup Final at Abingdon Town FC's ground, Purton can be proud of reaching the final.

The Wiltshire side were disappointing in their first half display, with Kidlington 3-0 up at the break it was a mountain to climb for Purton in the second half.

Keeper Cowley made some excellent saves to keep the score down. To their credit the team lifted their game in the second half, with a little more luck on their side could well have notched a couple of goals. But on the day Kidlington were the worthy and "expected winners", Purton did Division One West proud particularly with their second half showing.

Massive 'Underdogs' In The Final - 4th May

Purton go into Saturday's Supplementary Cup Final at Abingdon Town this Saturday as massive 'underdogs' when they take on Premership opponents Kidlington who have enjoyed a good season finishing well up their league and with a deadly strike-force. Purton have done really well to reach the final winning all their four ties away from their Red House ground including the semi-final tie played at Ascot United went they went through 4-3 in a thrilling match.

The two club have met 32 times in the Hellenic league from season 1989/1990 up until 2004/2005 when Kidlington were promoted to the Premier Division. In those meetings Purton have gained 15 wins to Kidlington's 10 and 7 games have been drawn with Purton edging the goals tally 60-53. On the team front sadly Ryan Child will miss the match due to a hand injury sustained in the semi-final tie at Ascot United an injury that's likely to take a couple of months to heal. The team therefore will be selected from: Coole, Cowley, Brown, C.Hall, JJ. Richards, Murdoch, Stevens, M. Hall, Campbell, Gooch, Cadden, May,Gee, J. Richards, Miller,Temple, Farrell.

Doing Division One West Proud - 29th April

Purton went through to the final of the Hellenic Supplementary cup with an exciting 4-3 win over Premier Division Ascot United in Wednesday's semi-final tie at Ascot.

Three goals by Ascot striker Jon Bennett was not enough as a brace each by Justin Miller and Ashley Gooch saw Purton through to meet Kidlington on May 7 at Abingdon Town's Culham Road ground. President/Chairman Alan Eastwood commente. "It was a tremendous effort by the lads who's form has been up and down the last five weeks or so, but in this game they showed how well they can play when they really want to. Everyone at the club is delighted and they are looking forward to the final".

Tomorrow Purton entertain Hook Norton in their last league game of the current campaign. A few weeks ago, albeit with a below strength side, they lost disappointingly at Hookey and will want to perform better in Saturdays meeting.
Purton have a couple of players absent but will select from:M.Hall, C.Hall, Brown, JJ.Richards, Temple,Child, Stevens, May, Campbell,Cadden, Richards, Murdoch, Gee, Miller

Flying The Flag - 27th April

Purton travel to Ascot United tonight (7.45pm), flying the flag for Division One West, by tackling their Premier Division opponents in the Semi - Final of the Hellenic Supplementary Cup.

It will be a difficult tie for Purton with Ascot holding the home advantage. The Red House crew go into the game after beating Headington Amateurs but losing to both Cheltenham Saracens and Bicester Town in the last two league games.

Purton won this same Competition back in Season 2001-2002 when they beat Old Woodstock Town in the final. Should Purton get through they will face either Kidlington or Witney in a final at Abingdon an even tougher task if the manage to overcome Ascot on Wednesday.

Injuries, suspensions and player work committments are a headache for the Management team for this vital match and so the team will be selected from: Cowley, Farrell, Coole, JJ. Richards, Child, Murdoch, C.Hall, Brown, Temple, Stevens, Cadden, Campbell, May, Miller, Gee, J.Richards,Gooch.

Delight And Disappointment - 24th April

The past week saw Purton delighted and disappointed in the two league games they played.

In their midweek home game on Wednesday 20th April, against the Division One West Champions, a hat-trick by Ryan Child and another goal by James Richards gave the "Red House" an excellent 4-1 victory. 

However on Saturday at high flying Cheltenham Saracens they never really recovered after gifting the home side a goal in the first minute and two further goals late on. Although Purton battled well, without influential players Justin Miller and Steven May, it was always going to be a difficult ask against a really in form 'Saracens'.

Purton Face In-Form Saracens - 21st April

This Saturday Purton travel to Cheltenham to meet the in-form Saracens who are pushing for runners up slot in Division One West.
 
Purton go into the game on the back of a mid-week 4-1 victory over the new One West champions, Headington Amateurs, and a Supplementary Quarter Final away win over Woodley Town that sees them meet Ascot away in a semi final tie on Wednesday the 27th of April. The semi final is two days after their Easter Monday league game at the Red House against Bicester Town also aiming for the runners-up slot. 

The two team have played each other 37 times in the Hellenic League with Purton winning 18 times, Cheltenham 11 times and there have been 8 drawn matches with Purton leading the scoring stakes 61-53.

Manager Chris Pethick has a few injury problems and Johnny Cowley wont be available because of work commitments and will select from: Coole, JJ.Richards. Stevens, Child, Murdoch, Temple, C.Hall, M. Hall, Brown, Gooch. Campbell, Miller, Gee, Richards, Cadden, S. Hall.

Purton Meet Division One Champions - 19th April

Supplementary Cup Action - 14th April

If Purton are to reach the Semi-finals of this competition they will have to overcome Woodley Town this Saturday on their ground.

In the previous rounds Purton have had to travel to Farnborough Town Reserves and Newbury Town to get through to the quarter finals and expect a tough match against a Woodley Town side that are doing well in the Eastern Division.

Purton are grateful to the league management committee for re-arranging this fixture that was due to be played at Woodley this coming Monday for a 6pm kick off time as Woodley do not have floodlighting and the travelling distance the club would have make made the trip a no goer. The club were due to play Hook Norton this Saturday at the Red House, the league will now be re-arranging that fixture.

Following last weeks home draw with Tytherington Rocks the club will select their side from:- Coole, Cowley, Stevens, JJ.Richards, Murdoch, Child, Gooch, C.Hall, M. Hall, Campbell, Miller, Richards, Gee, Cadden, Brown, May, Temple.

Red House Welcome 'Rocks' - 8th April

Manager Chris Pethick will be hoping he has a larger squad to pick from than he did in Tuesday nights game at Hook Norton where his side gave a disappointing performance in a 4-0 loss. It was the 2nd time this season the team has had to go into a game with a scratch side as the same happened in an away night match at Lydney Town earlier in the season andthe team lost heavily that night also.

Games with Saturday's visitors Tytherington Rocks are always well contested and friendly matches and until the last few season the 'Rocks' have held the upper winning 7 and drawing 1 but the last 5 meetings has seen Purton win 3 and draw 2, the last earlier this season when in an excellent first half hit 5 goals and finally ran out 5-0 victors. Because of this on Saturday the visitors will no doubt want to improve on that so a much closer encounter in envisaged.

With 'fingers crossed' Manager Pethick's squad will be: Coole, Cowley, Child, JJ. Richards, Murdoch, C.Hall, M.Hall,Stevens, Campbell, Cadden, Brown, Miller, J.Richards, Gooch, Gee and May.

Away Trip To Hooky - 4th April

Purton travel to Hook Norton on Tuesday night and go into the game after two draws and a win last Saturday.

They expect to come up against a Hook Norton side who's league position does not reflect their true form. Recent signings have made them a stronger outfit and have won two and drawn one and lost one of their last four games.

James Richards and Steven May who were not available for Purton last Saturday should be available but Pete Temple is still out with a back strain so Chris Pethick will select from:- Cowley, Murdoch, Stevens, JJ. Richards, Coole, C. Hall, Gooch, Cadden, May, M. Hall, Campbell, Brown, Gee, Child, J.Richards and Miller.

Points Not Taken For Granted - 1st April

Purton go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at Letcombe and a 3-3 midweek local derby draw at Cricklade Town after previously having suffered three straight defeats.

The clubs have met just five times. The first meeting between the clubs Launton came out on top with a 4-1 but since then Purton have won the other four encounters 1-0, 3-2, 9-0 and 5-1 earlier this season.

James Richards (working) and Pete Temple (back injury) wont be making the trip while Justin Miller is struggling with an ankle problem. Recent signing Aaron Stevens from Thatcham Town has been added to the squad for the fixture.

Both Teams Seeking Victory - 29th March

Purton take the short trip to play local rivals Cricklade Town on Wednesday night with both sides hoping to collect the three points at stake and improve their league positions.

In the 11 league games previously played Cricklade have won 5, with 3 draws and Purton winning 3 with Purton having won 3 and drawn 2 in the last five meeting. Purton go into the game on the back of their 3-2 Supplementary Cup win against Newbury last Saturday while the home went out 2-1 at home to Woodley Town in the same competition. Both sides will need no motivation for this local derby. Earlier in the season the teams shared league points in a 1-1 draw at the Red House and Purton knocked their hosts out of the Wilts Senior cup on their own ground 4-1.

Tough Cup Encounter - 25th March

Purton have a break from league action this week when they travel to Newbury to try and progress in the Supplementary Cup.

In the previous round Purton won 3-2 away against Farnborough but will find Saturday's visit a hard nut to crack as leaders of the Eastern Division who have suffered just two defeats and a draw in their last nine matches.

Manager Chris Pethick will again be down to the bare bones with Pete Temple (back strain), Ryan Child (hamstring) and a couple of other players unavailable due to work commitments but welcome back skipper Johnny Coole from a one match suspension and hopefully Ashley Gooch and Dave Gee.

Club Honorary Secretary Position - 21st March

At the end of this season Purton's current Honorary Secretary Janice Kuczynski will be standing down. Janice has been with the club for two seasons, before that had a long spell as Hon. Sec. at Wiltshire League side Aldbourne F.C.

Purton are sorry they will be losing her services and are on the look-out for a replacement for this post to join the club at this seasons end. Anyone who might be interested in joining Purton as Hon. Sec. for 2011/2012 should contact President/Chairman Alan Eastwood on 01793-729844 or email alan.eastwood83@ntlworld.com
 
The clubs runs two senior sides one the Hellenic League and the other in the Wiltshire Premier League, the Honorary Secretary will administer all club business concerning those leagues. The club also runs Youth and Minor sides but these are administered by a separate individual.

Clinical Finishing Needed - 18th March

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Another Local Derby - 9th March

Purton travel the short distance to meet Malmesbury Victoria this Saturday in their return local-derby fixture. A couple of weeks ago two goals by Justin Miller and another by Johnny Coole with Ed Wilkins on target for the "Vics" gave Purton the points but they go into Saturday's game on the back of two league defeats since by Lydney Town and also Headington Amateurs.

The "Vics" also suffered defeat last week at home to Hook Norton so both teams will be looking to pick up the three points at stake, Purton to get back on track and the "Vics" to lift themselves up the table. The clubs have met 19 times in the Hellenic with Purton on 9 wins, the "Vics" on 5 wins and there have been 5 drawn matches with Purton ahead in the scoring stakes 36 - 22.

On the selection side Jamie Richards is on holiday and their are a few question marks on other players in Manager Pethick's squad. A couple of ex Purton players are likely in the "Vics" line up namely Allan Webb, Mike Lees and Carl Taylor who all played in the previous fixture at the Red House.

Irritated Pethick Demands Unbeaten Run - 4th March

Purton boss Chris Pethick was so irritated by the midweek defeat to Lydney that he demanded his side go unbeaten for the rest of the Hellenic League Division One West campaign.

The SWindon Advertiser reports, a hastily-arranged game saw the Red House outfit defeated 5-0 at the Gloucestershire side, losing them vital ground in the title race ahead of tomorrow’s trip to table-toppers Headington Amateurs. Purton are 12 points behind the league leaders with two games in hand, and Pethick wants a swift response following the disappointing midweek result. “It was a poor performance and we’ll look to put that right this weekend,” said Pethick. “We’ve got to win every game until the end of the season to win the league. I was that annoyed with them the other night, that was my response. I said the same thing to them a couple of years ago and they went on a 10-game unbeaten run, so I’ve got to ask it again. We’re one of the strongest squads in the division and I think we deserve something from this season.”

Pethick added he is confident his side can secure three points at one of the Hellenic League’s less fashionable venues. “I don’t really like going there, it’s not the most welcoming of places,” said the manager. “But we’ve had some reasonably good results there over the years, so we’ll have a little bit of optimism for what is a massive game.”

Unbeaten Run Ended - 3rd March

With the game orginally a Saturday fixture cancelled by the recent bad weather the league re-arranged the night match which did little to help the club's cause as several players were unable to make the trip.

2-0 down at the break it was always going to be a big ask after that and three more in the second half and the loss of keeper Cowley with a leg injury did little to help the cause.

On the night with his revamped side except for a Day effort in the first half and a Gee effort in the second plus a Gooch disallowed, the team were outplayed on the night.

After the match Manager Chris Pethick commented. "When the game was re-arranged for a mid-week game I knew we would have problems with player availability and that was the case with Miller, Richards, May and Scarff ruled out. Had we had two or three of them available we might have given a better account of ourselves but on the night we were poor with poor defending and plenty of misplaced passes and no real cutting edge when we did get forward."

Hard Work Pays Off - 27th February

Hard work by members of the Purton Committee and a couple of supporters ensured the game went ahead last Saturday in the 3-1 win over Malmesbury Victoria enabling the match referee to give the 'thumbs' up at 12 noon for thematch to take place.

The three points gained moved the club into 3rd place in the table. On Tuesday night they travel to 2nd placed Lydney Town for what they expect to be a hard match (weather permitting).

In the 7 matches played between the two clubs Purton have secured just two victories back in season 2008/2009 and have lost the last three meetings between the clubs.

Derby Day - 25th February

Sadly for their club "vandals" have caused a lot of damage to their floodlighting system at their ground. Club sympathy goes to the Malmesbury club in particular Paul and Sue Neale, the Chairman and Hon Sec, who for many years have put in so
much hard work into the club.

The club go into the game on the back of 5 wins and a draw in the last six league games. Both teams did not play last week but the week previous Purton won 3-0 at home to Trowbridge Town while Malmesbury defeated Cricklade Town in their
home game 2-1.

The Clubs have met 18 times in the league with Purton winning 8, Malmesbury 5 and 5 being draws with Purton leading the scoring stakes 33-21.

Squad from: Cowley, JJ. Richards, Child, Temple, Murdoch, Coole, C.Hall, M.Hall, Campbell, May, Miller, Day, Cadden, J.Richards, Gee.

Weather Wins Again ! - 20th February

Already three and in some cases four games in hand over teams above and below them in the league Purton again were fixture-less when their game due to be played at Lydney Town was called off on Saturday morning due to the heavy rains that hit the West on Friday night and Saturday morning. The Red House ground also suffered as the Club's Reseve team game in the Wilts League against The Vale of Pewsey also had to be called off due to a water-logged surface.

Manager Chris Pethick allowed his players to meet however at the normal arranged time and the afternoon was not completly wasted as he arranged a training session for his squad in preperation for the coming home game with Malmesbury Vics - "weather permitting"

Tough Tussle -18th February

t's 2nd v 6th when Purton make the trip this Saturday to meet Lydney Town in their return league fixture. In season 2006/7 the season Lydney gained promotion they did the double over Purton.

In 2008/9 when they were back in the league it was Purton who managed the double over them 3-2 on their ground and 4-1 at the Red House. In season 2009/10 Lydney did the double again and this season in the meeting at the Red House Lydney took all three points in a 3-1 victory with Steve May netting Purton's goal.

Purton manager Chris Pethick is expecting a tough tussle and will be hoping he wont be frustrated this week as he was last week with late player withdrawals. Ashley Gooch will be unavilable due to attending a course but Pethick is is hopeful he can select his side currently on a six match unbeaten run from the following: Cowley, Temple, Child, JJ. Richards, Murdoch, Coole, C.Hall, M.Coole, May, Campbell, M. Hall, Gee, J.Richards, Miller and Day.

Managers Nightmare - 14th February

Before Saturdays home game with Trowbridge Town, Purton manager Chris Pethick, already without Justin Miller, saw his team depleted. Another four players as players dropped out like flies due to work commitment and injuries. With a bare 12 players however his side still proved too strong for their visitors running out 3-0 winners but it was a nightmare scenario that not only Chris but other league Manager's face in our league and others in the pyramid.

On the flip side an e-mail received by League General Manager Brian King from a 'Ground Hopper from Redhill, Surrey, Nic Adamou visited Purton on 29th January and passed on the following message; "As a 'ground hopper I receive many varied welcomes up and down the country, some good and some bad, but few are as welcoming as at Purton. I attended the game Purton v Clanfield on 29th January and was made to feel very welcome with many club officials willing to take time to chat. Somehow, on my way home, I managed to lose my program, but a quick e-mail to Alan Eastwood and another one was in the post, along with a bonus reserve team one. Purton FC are a credit to the Hellenic League and to the wider football world and I look forward to a return visit soon.

Purton Looking For Double - 11th February

Trowbridge Town visit the Red House for the return league fixture, earlier in the season Purton won the away match 3-1 thanks to strikes by James Richards, Marcus Hall and Steven May.

Currently lieying 6th in the table with games in hand Purton go into the match on a 5 match unbeaten run having obtained four wins and a draw. They will be hoping to continue their good form on Saturday but their visitors will not be taken for granted as only last week were they just edged out of the Cup at Easington Sports.

The team have met 13 times althogether with Trowbridge Town winning 7 times to Purton's 5 with the other match drawn. In the last 5 meetings though Purton have won 4 times and lost just the once. On the team front Justin Miller is unavailable.

The team for Saturday will be selected from: Cowley, Temple, Murdoch, Coole, Child, JJ.Richards, Scarff, C. Hall, Gooch, Campbell, M. Hall, May, Cadden, Day, J. Richards, Gee.

Pride Restoring - 28th January

Weather permitting Purton players will be hoping to restore some pride when Clanfield visit the Red House this Saturday.

Earlier in the season the team were on the wrong end of a 5-2 drubbing and Saturday's visitors are in a rich vein of form that has seen them move above Purton in the league although the club does have several games in hand on all the teams currently above them. The clubs have met 49 times in the Hellenic League with 30 Purton wins, 10 draws and Clanfield winning just 9 games. In the last five meetings Purton have won 3 of the games and Clanfield 2.

The club will select from:- Coole, Cowley, JJ. Richards, Murdoch, Scarff, Temple, C. Hall, Gooch, Campbell, Cadden, Day, M.Hall, Child, May, J.Richards, Mille, Gee.

Frozen Out Again - 24th January

Sadly for Purton the home league game with Tytherington Rocks had to be called on Saturday due to a frozen surface.

Although the temperature raised during Friday night and early Saturday morning after a short fall of rain and then a cold wind coming in by 11.30am the latest time an inspection could take place due to the visitors and officials travelling time the pitch was still not playable due to the frost and was deemed to be dangerous and still had to much frost in it that clearance for the 2.15pm kick off would not have been possible.

The recent postponments of the clubs home and away games has seen the club drop down the table somewhat and lack of games could mean catching up on the back-log will put more pressure on Manager Pethick and his players in the games that remain.

In-form Rocks Visit Red House - 21st January

Tomorrow sees in-form Tytherington Rocks visit Purton's Red House ground in their return league fixture. In November Saturdays visitors were beaten 5-0 on their own patch after a devastating first half display by Purton, this Saturday however the club expect a much tougher tussle.

Tytherington come into the game on the back of a league win against Winterbourne United, a draw with Headington Amateurs and an excellent win over Lydney Town last week inficting a first league defeat on Lydney. Purton go into the game on the back of their 5-3 loss after extra time in the Wilts Senior Cup away at Bemerton Heath Harlequins where they matched their Wessex league opponents but due to their lack of games recently 'ran out of legs' in the extra time period. Prior to that though they had won two league gamers and progressed in the Supplementray Cup after a 3-2 away win over Farnborough Town Res from the Hellenic Div 1 East Division

The teams have met 13 times in the Hellenic with Purton winning three times, Tytherington seven times with three draws. In the last 5 meetings though Purton have won three times and two have been draws.

Manager Chris Pethick will select from: - Johnny Coole, Johnny Cowley, Kyle Murdoch, Pete Temple, Callum Hall, Michael Scarff, Jamie Richards, Ashley Gooch, Steven May, Marcus Hall, Scott Campbell, Ryan Child, Paul Day, Tom Cadden, James Richards and Justin Miller.

Beaten But Not Disgraced - 17th January

Despite being knocked out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup by highly placed Wessex League side Bemerton Heath Harlequins in Salisbury, Purton's players can be proud of their excellent showing doing the Hellenic League proud with their all round play but finally being eliminated going out 5-3 after extra time.

Chairman Alan Eastwood stated: "Against a strong Wessex Premier league side the lads ran them close only the home sides superior fitness levels the reason for the teams elimination. Nice for many of their local supporters to come to club members after the game saying how well we played and giving them one of the hardest games they have had this season which was most pleasing considering in their league with just 4 losses they lie 2nd just behind Winchester. Had we had more games going into the tie I'm sure on another day we would have been celebrating passage through to the semi-finals' instead of elimination".

Short Trip To Near Neighbours - 7th January

Purton make the short trip to Cricklade Town this coming Saturday and go into the game on the back of league wins over Launton Sports, Tytherington Rocks and last weeks win over Easington Sports and a Suplementary Cup win over Farnborough Town Reserves and a Wilts Senior Cup win 4-1 which they gained over their opponents in this Saturdays game.

Earlier in the season the teams shared the points in a 1-1 draw at the Red House and overall in the 11 previous meetings Cricklade hold the upper hand with 5 wins to Purtons 4 with 2 matches drawn. Recent times has seen Purton undefeated against their opponents in the last 5 league games gaining 3 wins and 2 draws. After their first game last week, their first since the 27th November Chris Pethick will select from a squad of 16 players for the 'local derby clash'.

"Waterlogged Pitches" - 31st December

Without a game since the 27th of November Purton club will be hoping that after all the Artic conditions the Red House Ground won't fall foul of "waterlogging". The Wiltshire side will want to get back on the pitch on Holiday Monday when Easington Sports will be their visitors. The awful recent weather will no doubt affect other clubs in the league who like Purton will be hoping their games get the nod.

Early on in the season Purton picked up all three points on their North Oxfordshire opponents"patch" in a 2-1 win thanks to strikes from Johnny Coole and Paul Day. The teams have met 43 times in Hellenic league games with Purton winning 21, Easington 12 with 10 games drawn and Purton leading on goals scored 79 - 63.

Purton Squad:- Paul Thompson, Johnny Cowley, Kyle Murdoch, Micheal Scarff, Johnny Coole, Jamie Richards, Pete Temple, Callun Hall, Ryan Child, Tom Cadden, Ashley Gooch, Marcus Hall, Steven May, Scott Campbell, Justin Miller, Paul Day and James Richards.

Baking Sun! - 24th December

Freak hot weather conditions on the Downs, will be the only decider for the away game at Letcombe on Monday the 27th to go ahead, but stranger things have occured!

After several weeks without a game the club are itching to get back into action after all the recent bad weather and even the arranged training sessions have had to be curtailed early due to the conditions.

The teams have met twice already this season. In the league game at the Red House on an inspired day the club ran out 7-2 winners but Letcombe got quick revenge the following week knocking the club out of the Bluefin Challenge Cup 2-1 also at their Red House Ground. The teams have met a total of 29 times in league encounters with Purton winning 18, Letcombe 9 with only 2 drawn games with Purton having the best goals scored tally of 74 to 53.

Weather A Major Factor - 16th December

The weather will be the major factor to decide if Purton, after two weeks without a game, will entertain current league leaders Headington Amateurs at the Red House this coming Saturday. The last four meetings have resulted in a 2-0 win for Headington with the other three games ended all square in 3-3, 2-2 and 4-4 draws.

The clubs have met 30 times in the Hellenic league with Purton gaining 12 wins, Headington 9 wins with 9 drawn games, with Purton notching 56 goals to the "A"s 47. Games between the two sides have always been keenly contested and should the game go ahead another is expected on Saturday.

The match is an important one for both side as Headington will be hoping to push ahead in the title race and Purton with games in hand hoping to close the gap on the league leaders and others above them.

Purton will select their side from - Johnny Coole, Kyle Murdoch, Jamie Richards, Ryan Child, Pete Temple, Callum Hall, Ashley Gooch, Steven May, Marcus Hall, Scott Campbell, James Richards, Justin Miller, Tom Cadden, Paul Day, Johnny Cowley, Paul Thompson.

Beaten By 'Burst Pipes' - 13th December

Purton players had to endure another blank Saturday last week when their league game away at Cheltenham Saracens had to be postponed.

After all the cold and freezing weather the teams could well have played on the Saturday as by then the pitch was playable but sadly the Saracens changing rooms and electrics were badly affected by 'burst water pipes and with a 3pm kick off as the home side had lights it was deemed to dangerous for the game to go ahead.

Purton are hoping they will get their home game on with league leaders Headington Amateurs who visit the Red House next Saturday, 18th December.

Weather Permitting - 10th December.

Currently lying 5th in the table the team, weather permitting will travel to Cheltenham to face 4th placed 'Saracens' this Saturday-kick off 3pm.

In the last four meetings between the clubs Purton have come out on top three times with the 'Saracens' winning the other. In the first match of the current season Purton won 3-1 at the Red House with Justin Miller, Johnny Coole and Marcus Hall netting the goals. Overall this will be the 38th meeting between the clubs, Purton having won 17, Cheltenham Saracens 11 with 8 drawn matches with Purton ahead on goals scored 58 - 53.

Purton go into the game on the back of two league wins over Launton Sports and Tytherington Rocks and a Wilts Senior Cup win over Cricklade Town and a Supplementary Cup victory away against Farnborough Town Reseves from the Eastern Division.

Manager Pethick will select his side from:- Johnny Coole, Pete Temple, Kyle Murdoch, Jamie Richards, Michael Scarff, Callum Hall, Ashley Gooch, Marcus Hall, James Richards, Justin Miller, Scott Campbell, Tom Cadden, Ryan Child, Johnny Cowley, Paul Thompson, Paul Day, Dave Gee.

Trip Into The Unknown - 26th November

After their excellent 5-0 away win at Tytherington last week in the league, Purton take a trip into the unknown when they make the long trip to Bisley to meet Farnborough Reserves in the Supplementary Cup this Saturday.

Dave Gee who is injured and Paul Day on holiday are both unavailable and there is a doubt about Callum Hall who came off in the second half with a slight hamstring strain in last week's match.

Purton's squad for the match will be selected from:- Johnny Coole, Kyle Murdoch, Pete Temple, Michael Scarff, Jamie Richards, Steven May, Callum Hall, Marcus Hall, Ashley Gooch, Scott Campbell, Justin Miller, James Richards, Ryan Child, Tom Cadden, Johnny Cowley

Any Jam On The Bread? - 19th November

After their excellent 4-1 away Wilts Senior Cup win over near neighbours Cricklade Town last week its back to the 'bread and butter' of the league when Purton make the trip to Bristol to meet Tytherington Rocks.

For Purton, Rocks are a stumbling block, apart from the past couple of seasons, they have proved somewhat of a 'bogey team. The teams have met 12 times in the Hellenic league. Purton lost the first five meetings before gaining a point in a 3-3 home draw. They then lost two more matches before gaining a 1-1 draw at Tytherington and winning the
return match at the Red house 4-2 in 2008-09. In 2009/10 it ended all square at 1-1 at Tytherington with Purton picking up all three points in a 2-0 victory at the Red House.

With Purton lying 6th and the 'Rocks' in 8th place all the signs are that it should be an interesting encounter with both sides looking for the three points to improve their league placings.

Purton's squad for the match, although there are some injury doubts will be selected from:- Johnny Cowley, Kyle Murdoch, Pete Temple, Johnny Coole, Jamie Richards, Callum Hall, Marcus Hall, Steven May, Ashley Gooch, Justin Miller, Scott Campbell, James Richards, Dave Gee, Paul Day, Tom Cadden, Michael Scarff and Ryan Child.

Big Improvement - 5th November

Following last week's poor display and defeat away, at the hands of Clanfield, Purton Manager Chris Pethick is demanding a big improvement all round when they play hosts to bottom of the table Launton Sports at the Red House tomorrow.

Despite Launton being in bottom slot they will not be taken for granted, 'football's a funny old game' and 'upsets can always occur'.

The club still have some injury problems and Callum Hall is unavailable for the game. Manager Pethick will select from: Johnny Cowley, Kyle Murdoch, Jamie Richards, Pete Temple, Johnny Coole, Steven May, Ashley Gooch, Tom Cadden, Marcus Hall, James Richards, Scott Campbell, Paul Day, Ryan Child, Justin Miller, Michael Scarff.

Egg On Our Faces - 2nd November

Chariman Alan Eastwood comments. ' We were without a regular keeper for the game and had a couple of other key players missing but we cant take anything away from Clanfield who might have scored even more on a disappointing afternoon by our players with only about three of them showing anything like their true form. The players know they did not do themselves justice which left their Management team angry and the supporters who made the trip even more so including myself. The defeat ended a three match winning run and had we won would have leapfrogged Cricklade Town and Lydney Town in the league table."

Tough Encounter Expected - 29th October

Currently Clanfield are doing well and last week progressed in the cup beating Newbury and have had some good league results to boot. The club go into the game in good form with three league wins on the trot and with just a Challenge Cup defeat against Letcombe in their last 4 matches.

In 40 league meetings recorded Purton hold the upper hand with 25 wins with 8 draws and 7 losses having netted 86 times to Clanfield's 46. Saturdays game looks a very interesting one which obviously both teams will be out to win to strengthen their league positions.

As reported earlier this week Luke Alford and Stephen Avenall have returned to former club Shrivenham and there a re a couple of injury doubts ahead of this game.

Departures At Purton - 25th October

Trek To Trowbridge - 22nd October

After two weeks without a league game after progressing in the Wiltshire Senior Cup and being eliminated from the Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup its back to league action for Purton with a trip to Trowbridge Town.

Although Purton have won three and drawn one of the last 4 encounters with their West Wiltshire opponents overall Trowbridge have had the better of all the league meetings overall. The club's have met 12 times in the league with Trowbridge winning 7 times, Purton 4 times and the other match ending in a draw. Trowbridge also lead in the scoring stakes 27 goals to 18.

There are still some injury worries for the club and so selection will be from: Luke Alford, Michael Scarff, Johnny Coole, Jamie Richards, Marcus Hall, Callum Hall, Steven May, Kyle Murdoch, Ashley Gooch, Dave Gee, Scott Campbell, James Richards, Justin Miller, Paul Day, Pete Temple, Ryan Child, Tom Cadden, Stephen Avenall.

Break From League Action - 7th October

After two league wins on the trot the club has a break from league action this weekend when they will they will travel to their near neighbours, Wroughton from the Wiltshire Premier League competing in the first round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup, a cup Purton have won 7 times in their history and been runners up twice.

Recent seasons has seen the club knocked out in early rounds of the competition, this season the club is hoping for a better run. Marcus Hall and Kyle Murdock are not available for the tie and Paul Day is still recovering from injury. Manager Chris Pethick has returned from holiday and will be tying up with Steve Hall who has stood in the past couple of matches to tie up the team which will be selected from:- Alford, Scarff, Callum Hall, Johnny Coole, Jamie Richards, Ashley Gooch, Steven May, Scott Campbell, Justin Miller, James Richards, Dave Gee, Stephen Avenall, Pete Temple, Cadden, and Child.

100% Record - 3rd October

Stand in manager Steve Hall was delighted by his Purton team 1-0 away win at Bicester Town yesterday following the previous weeks win over Letcombe, and was able to send a positive text to Chris Pethick in the USA with news of the win.

Commenting after the match Steve stated. "Although the goal that earned us the win came late on all round we were the better side and but for a couple of good saves by their keeper and hitting the woodwork three times plus having a good goal rubbed out for offside we could have won quite comfortably. Bicester hit our woodwork twice late on but by that time I was a bit disappointed we were not ahead by then. The goal, when it came, was excellent after a good build up with Ashley Gooch showing great composure in the box to secure the win. The whole team, plus the subs I introduced, all played well and I feel we can go on from here improving"

First Hellenic Meeting - 1st October

After their resounding 7-2 home win last Saturday over Letcombe Purton travel to Bicester Town tomorrow for their first ever Hellenic League meeting.

Currently the sides lie 6th and 7th in the table respectively, well off the leading team Headington Amateurs and so both sides will no doubt be hoping to pick up all the three points at stake. Besides the 13 players who played last week in the Letcombe victory some of the players who missed last week through injuries and work commitments, Paul Day, Stephen Avenall, Steve May, Pete Temple and Andrew Mayhew may be added to the squad but Kyle Murdoch is still not available for the trip. With Manager Chris Pethick still away on holiday Steve Hall who took charge last week along with Sean Clark hopefully will be in charge on Saturday.

Proud Of The Team - 28th September

Last Saturday's 7-2 home league win over Letcombe after two previous league defeats made Purton Chairman Alan Eastwood really proud considering the problems that occurred late in the week.

Alan states - "Although we had a couple of players back we were still without some regulars but those who stepped in performed brilliantly. With manager Chris Pethick away, his assistant as reported on the website late last week, Sean Clark should have been in charge but he became unavailable and it was left to Steve Hall to get in touch with players and take charge on the day and his hard work was rewarded with a fine display by the team and lift the recent 'doom and gloom' of poor recent performances"

Clark In Charge - 24th September

With Manager Chris Pethick away on holiday Sean Clark wlil be in charge of Purton's team for the home game with Letcombe this Saturday at the Red House.

Having gained league wins over Cheltenham Saracens and Easington Sports and a draw with near neighbours Cricklade Town, two below performances against Lydney Town and Winterbourne United which both resulted in 3-1 defeats, Clark has a tough job on his hands to get the team playing much better than they have the last fortnight.

Some key players missing in both the defeats against Lydney and Winterbourne did little to help and this week again it's a case of who's available and who is not. Purton and Letcombe have met 28 times in Hellenic league games and Purton hold the upper hand with 17 wins to Letcombe's 9 with 2 matches drawn with Purton having netted 66 times to Letcombe's 49. Manager Pethick will obviously be contacting his stand in Manager on Saturday night to see if the team have had a good result and Clark is sure to want to give a positive reply rather than a negative one.

More Commitment Required - 15th September

Purton entertain Winterbourne United this Saturday at the Red House and Manager Chris Pethick will be demanding more commitment from his players, after their poor showing at home last week when Lydney Town ran out 3-1 winners.

The two clubs have met 18 times in Hellenic games with Purton winning 7 times, Winterbourne 9 times with 2 matches drawn. Winterbourne have netted 39 times to Purtons 33. Last season Purton won 5-0 in the away match and 4-2 at the Red House and Purton also knocked them out of the Challenge Cup on penalty kicks at the Red House after the sides were level after extra time at 1-1.

Winterbourne have re-vamped their team from last season and have made a good start to the new campaign so a very competitive encounter is envisaged.

Purton Back In Action - 10th September

After another blank Saturday last week the club get back into action tomorrow when Lydney Town visit the Red House.

The clubs have met just six times in the Hellenic league with Lydney holding the upper hand with 4 wins to Purton’s 2. In 2006/7 Lydney completed a double winning 8-3 on their ground and 3-2 at the Red House and Lydney were promoted that season to the Premier Division. In 2008/9 Purton turned the tables completing a double themselves, 4-1 at the Red House and 3-2 away. Last season Lydney turned it a round again winning both games, 1-0 at the Red House and 3-0 in the match at Lydney. Several players have returned from holidays although Justin Miller is doubtful with a hamstring injury and Kyle Murdoch is still away, apart from these Manager Pethick is hopeful all the rest of the squad will be available for selection.

Blank Week, Then 2 in 48 - 26th August

After a blank week last Saturday Purton travel to Easington Sports this Saturday and play hosts to near neighbours Cricklade Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Purton and Easington Sports have met 42 times in the Hellenic league to date with Purton holding the upper hand with 20 wins whist drawing 12 and losing 10 times. Last season in two competitive games Purton won away 1-0, but lost 3-2 in the home game at the Red House.

Against Cricklade Town the teams have met 10 times with Cricklade Town having the better of the exchanges winning 5 times, 2 have been draws with Purton winning 3 times. Last season Purton won the home game 2-1 while away it ended in a 1-1 draw.

For the two games Purton will be without a few players through injuries and holidays and expect two tough encounters and after the blank week last weekend w ill need to be at their best to collect the points at stake in both matches.

Bereavement Of Purton Supporter - 19th August

Sara's Visit The Red House - 13th August

Purton's 2010/2011 campaign gets underway on Saturday with the visit of Cheltenham Saracens who finished 4th last season and Purton 5th.

This will be the 37th league meeting between the club's in the Hellenic League Div 1 and Div 1 (West). Of matches played Purton have won 18, Saracens 11 and 8 have been drawn. Last season saw Purton win their home game 5-1 but in the away fixture failed to score in a 2-0 defeat
Apart from Kyle Murdock and Michael Scarff, Manager Chris Pethick has a healthy squad of 16 players to pick from namely:- Alford, Temple, Campbell, Coole, Richards, Townsend, Gooch, May, Avenall, Miller, Gee, M. Hall, Lees, Day, Cadden and Child.

Ins & Outs At Purton - 26th July

Purton have registered most of last seasons side, plus welcome some new faces to the club.

Adrian Roper, Lee Bown, Russell Fuller, Warren Fuller and Mark Brerton have not signed for season 2010/11. New players to arrive at the club are goalkeeper Luke Alford after spells with Shrivenham and Malmesbury, Kyle Murdock from Cricklade, Adam Mayhew and Lee Moulten from Minety, Michael Scarff from Shrivenham and Dave Gee from AFC npower/Greyhound.

Manager Chris Pethick still has more to decide on in the next few weeks and the friendlies lined up will decide on any further additions to a good squad.

Oxford Side Win Purton Sixes - 6th June

Yesterday, at the Red House ground, 20 teams competed in the Purton six a side tournament.

After the intial three league matches, in which all games proved to be tight affairs. Kings Arms defeated Mutleys All Stars, Champs Ain't We beat Rodbourne "A", Victoria's Secret beat Old Town and Cannon Mortgages overcame Blyswanica "A".

The semi finals saw Kings Arms progress with 3-2 penalty shoot out win over Champs Ain't We and Victoria's Secret knocked out Cannons Mortgages also on a penalty shoot out ending 3-2.

The final saw King Arms from Oxford take the trophy and prize money beating Victoria's Secret 4-3 on penalties. The Kings Arms side included several Hellenic League players from Div One West side Headington Amateurs. On an excellent day weather wise sportsmenship was pretty good by all the sides competing, although their were a couple of red cards shown during the competition. All visiting teams should be applauded for their respect of ground facilities at the Club.

Honoured By Wilts FA - 5th June

At the Annual General Meeting of the Wilts FA on Friday 4th of June the Purton's current President & Chairman received a Plaque and a Wilts FA tie for his services to football within the County and was made an Honorary Member of the Association.

Joining the club from Army Service in 1972 Alan, besides his current role of President & Chairman of the club, is also the club's press officer and produces the club's Hellenic and Wilts league match-day programmes and for many years has been a major fund raiser for the club. Since joining Purton as a player he has also been a first team player/manager, Hon Sec, Hon Treasurer and Groundsmen. He is also the Chairman of the Wilts FA Benevolent Committee and Chairman of the Wilts FA Loan Scheme committee a committee that consists of three Wilts FA members and two club representaves like himself and has been re-elected in this post for the 2010-2011 season.

Alan states 'At nearly 68 this is a great honour, I hope I have more years to give to a Club that I love dearly.

Well Done Alan from all within the 'Hellenic Family'.