PURTON finally clinched the Division One West title with a 3-1 win over Quarry Nomads on Saturday and manager Alan Clark duly revealed that the club will be pursuing promotion to the Premier Division after all.

It was assumed that the Red House outfit's lack of floodlights would prevent progression, but Clark is hoping league officials will grant Purton entry to the top flight providing they have plans in place to add the illuminations during next season.

"We will be having a meeting about it in the next two weeks," said Clark.

"The parish council have to agree to us having lights, then we go to the league.

"Hopefully they will because the lights would only be used a couple of times a month at the most and it could add to a facility that benefits the whole community.

"It shouldn't matter if we don't have the lights in place by the start of next season as long as we have permission and we pay a bond to the league."

Hellenic League secretary Brian King confirmed: "If a club have all the relevant planning and letters of intent in place by June 1st, then we would consider promoting them by way of a bond.

"But as yet, Purton have not indicated to the league that they will be pursuing promotion."

It would be a shame if Clark's men were not able to test themselves at the higher level next term.

Purton's win over the Nomads not only sealed the title, but also means the team only need to avoid defeat at Ardley to complete the campaign undefeated.

Needing only a point to effectively claim the crown, they were stunned early on as the visitors grabbed a 10th-minute lead, but the hosts were soon on terms as Mark McMeeking headed in following a one-two with Eurshel Fearon.

Fearon put Purton ahead on 24 minutes, converting Kenny Hughes' cross and substitute Steve Avenell made sure of glory with a superb solo goal midway through the second half.

"The players deserve it," said Clark. "They have done everything I've asked them to do this season and I'm delighted."

But his troops will have to wait to get their hands on the silverware after league officials were not present with the trophy.

"The only disappointing thing is that the league didn't give us the chance to pick up the trophy in front of our own fans we'll have to do that at Ardley which will be a bit of an anti-climax really."

Ironically, Purton would have taken the title whatever the outcome at the Red House, as second-placed Ross were thumped 5-1 at Ardley.

That opened the door for Shrivenham to move into the second promotion place, but Alan Dyton's troops suffered a calamitous 1-0 defeat at Harrow Hill with Bobby Clark pouncing just after the interval.

Said Dyton: "With Ross losing this was particularly disappointing as our performance was lethargic to say the least which I find baffling with the runners-up spot still there for us."

Highworth's own dreams of Premier Division glory evaporated some time ago but they are still having a major say in the destination of the title.

Their 0-0 draw at Didcot yesterday ruined the Oxfordshire club's aspirations, leaving Brackley, Slimbridge and Southall slugging it out at the top.

Brackley currently lead the way on goal difference, but are due to visit the Elms on Tuesday.

Matt Jack who was crowned players' player of the year at the club's presentation night went closest to breaking the deadlock when his second-half effort was cleared off the line.

Highworth boss John Fisher said: "Didcot had a lot of possession especially in the first half but our keeper didn't have a lot to do.

"That's them (Didcot) out of the title race and now we want to stop Brackley from winning it at our place."