The Red House, 26th December 2012

Christmas may be the time for giving, but Wootton Bassett Town - with the chance to close the gap with Brimscombe and Thrupp to just three points - were in no generous mood on their Boxing Day visit to Purton.

Within seventeen seconds they took the lead and finished with a 2-1 victory, despite being reduced to ten men late on.

The early goal came through Steve Yeardley and came gift-wrapped from the hosts. Adam Corcoran's cross was allowed to fall to Rich Saunders, whose shot a surprised Lee Wilson could only parry, allowing Bassett's midfield poacher to steer the ball into the back of the net.

Derbies between the two sides are rarely peaceful occasions, and even in the season of goodwill this was no exception.

Feisty, but entertaining, the encounter wore on with no further additions to the score until the 70th minute when Matt Bennett latched onto the end of a long ball, rounded Wilson and finished coolly.

With a two goal advantage, Bassett could have been forgiven for turning their attention back towards family and friends, but Jamie McGahey immediately halved the deficit.

Wise men would have showed good sense and kept their discipline when trying to protect such a slim lead late on. However a second yellow card for Saunders reduced the visitors to ten men. Thankfully though his teammates ensured Purton could not find any room to find another way in past their opponents' defence.

A Christmas cracker was won. And Dave Turner's merry band now find themselves within touching distance of the current leaders and nine ahead of the chasing pack.

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:38