LL 2012-13: No.69 - Wed 26th December 2012; Purton (0) 1  Wootton Bassett Town (1) 2;          Hellenic League Division 1 West; 11am at The Red House Ground, Church Street, Purton, Wiltshire.

Leon writes: 'A good derby game this one with plenty of fireworks despite some sore heads out there. Two Bassett players wandered up to the tea bar at half time asking for hot water for their Lemsip sachets so with this in mind, and the weary faces out there on the pitch, I guess I should be grateful that they put on a decent show. Bassett scored after an astonishing 8 seconds then proceeded to pass up a number of excellent chances. They increased their lead through the livewire Matt Bennett on 71 minutes before Purton pulled one almost immediately. This prompted some handbags with the usual hands around the throat and mock headbutts, plus some choice language which was most unseasonal. No red cards but plenty of bookings before the game settled down again. Bassett deserved the win which sees them up in second pushing for promotion with Brimscombe. The Red House (yes, a red brick period house stands behind the next to the car park) is perhaps the most basic of all Hellenic venues with no cover whatsoever. Just a railed pitch with grass banking around two sides tightly squeezed in between the rear gardens of this pleasant village. Some nice views too of the bell tower and over the fields towards Cricklade. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this place although it's perhaps best saved for warmer months'.

Scorers: (H) McGahey (71) and (A) Yeardly (1); Bennett (70)

Att: 48; Admission: Free; Programme: £2; Match rating: 4/5; Ground rating: 4/5

contributed on 06/01/13