WOOTTON BASSETT boss Pete Yeardley blamed himself after his side were beaten 3-0 at Chipping Norton.

The Rylands Way side were 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go and had the home side on the ropes in the search for an equaliser.

Yeardley threw on attacking substitutes Neil Bridges and Sam Reason but the gamble backfired and Bassett were hit by two late sucker punches.

Yeardley was pleased to see an improved display from his struggling side despite the loss. He said: "I cannot fault the players. We were 100 per cent better this week and we were running the game. Chipping Norton have scored with a good free kick before half-time but we were forcing all the play. I put on two forwards to try and get a goal and they've hit us twice late on.

"It's one of those occasions where the manager has to hold his hands up and take the blame. We were doing well before the substitutions and could have got something from the game. Now we've got Pewsey on Tuesday and I think it's a must-win for us."

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Fairford suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Abingdon.

Purton had their Division One West lead cut to a single point after drawing 1-1 at home to Cirencester United.

Toby Clark deservedly put the hosts ahead with a sweeping shot just before the break.

Kenny Hughes should have scored with a free header and Purton also had a good penalty appeal turned down when Eurshall Fearon was brought down in the Ciren box.

But the home side were made to pay for their wasted chances when Hanks levelled five minutes from time. Purton boss Alan Clark was frustrated after watching his side throw away another lead.

He said: "We've dropped eight points from winning positions in the last few weeks and we won't win the title if we carry on giving away silly goals."