JUSTIN MILLER scored the most timely goal of his career to keep Highworth on course for the Hellenic Premier crown.

The striker pounced in stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 win for the league leaders over local rivals Fairford.

With closest challengers Didcot drawing at Bishops Cleeve, Highworth are now six points clear though they have played two games more.

Former Highworth man Gary Hill had given his old club the lead with an own goal midway through the second half, but Dave Toomey netted from the penalty spot with nine minutes left and Fairford looked like leaving the Elms with a point.

That was until Miller swooped at the death, stabbing home the winner from a corner.

Highworth boss John Fisher said: "It wasn't a spectacle, it was a very scrappy affair.

"Fairford came to get a point but we hung in there and got the winner.

"The three points is the most important thing at this stage especially with Didcot drawing. It's back in our hands now."

Shrivenham also had to scrap for maximum points in Division One West.

Alan Dyton's tactical gamble paid off as the introduction of Steve Winchcombe late on to form a three-pronged attack finally saw Shrivvy open up stubborn hosts Hook Norton.

It was left for fellow forward Alex Green to head home the only goal from Michael Silvanus' cross in the 85th minute.

Dyton's troops remain second but will go top if they win their game in hand.

The manager said: "I think that the extra-time cup win over Chipping Norton on Thursday took a lot out of the footballers as our movement was not at the usual standard.

"I have to give credit to Hook Norton who were disciplined and committed which contributed to a hard fought affair.

"We showed good character to keep going and just about deserved the win.

"We have now had nine straight wins and I feel that we are going to need six more if we are going to lift the title."

Cirencester United and Purton fought out a typically frenetic derby stalemate at the Corinium Stadium.

Purton dominated territorial in the first period without creating any clear cut chances.

A couple of speculative shots by Brinn Keetch was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.

Cirencester were a little more adventurous in the second period freeing up more space in the middle of the park for the Purton midfield trio of Darren King, Sean Starkey and Steve Buckingham who took control of the game.

A late flurry saw Buckingham fire just wide from 18 yards and Tom Goody had a good effort blocked but a winning goal failed to materialise.

Managerless Malmesbury suffered another defeat.

Two first-half goals from Headington were enough for the visitors to take the three points.

They took the lead when Jason Maciak was allowed space on the edge of the box to curl an inch perfect shot into the top corner.

One quickly became two when Neil Holman was left free to head in from six yards.