Fairford Town kept their Premier Division title hopes alive when they beat neighbours Highworth Town 1-0 in a disappointing derby clash at The Elms.

Expectations of a big gate were dashed early on when a local referee called the game off due to snow obscuring the lines. However, after words with league secretary Brian King there was a further inspection later in the morning and the game went ahead.

Highworth recalled assistant manager Alan Churchward in goal in place of Steve Hale, Lee McMullen replacing Gary Hill in the back four, while the visitors included former Swindon Supermarine defender Mark Casey.

In a goaless first 45 minutes Highworth just about had the edge and Fairford had keeper James Price to thank for not going in at the break a goal down. The keeper made two great stops with his legs to thwart Highworth striker Peter Moss.

At the other end, Churchward was in action to palm an effort over the bar.

After a fairly even start to the second half Fairford began to put the home side under pressure and Churchward was forced to make a few hurried clearances.

Pete Moss and Warren Fuller continued to be dangerous on the break for Highworth and Mark Casey and Lee Kilfoyle marshalled the visitors defence well.

The deadlock was broken on 67 minutes, however, when Keith Walker received a flick from inside the penalty area and volleyed past Churchward to score what turned out to be the matchwinner against his old club.

In the closing stages Lee Stoddart should have added a second for Fairford after being put through with only the keeper to beat and in the last couple of minutes Highworth sub Steve Stewart went close.

Fairford manager Mark Webb said: "It was a dour old derby. I told the lads to step it up a bit at half time and it was nice for Keith Walker to get a goal against his old club."

n Wootton Bassett, away to title contenders North Leigh, were beaten 6-0, the home side scoring five of them in the second half.

North Leigh started well and took the lead on eight minutes when a cross from the right was headed into the net by Marty Ellis.

For the rest of the half Bassett defended well but did not put the home goal under any great pressure.

The floodgates opened after the break, however, Justin Timms scoring a second on 54 minutes and two minutes later a rare mistake by Bassett keeper Stevens allowed Andy McCabe to shoot into an empty net for a third.

Matt Hendra netted at the far post for a fourth on 71 minutes and Harry Burnley netted a fifth four minutes later. Three minutes from time McCabe completed the scoring again.

n Purton's Division 1 hopes received another blow when they were beaten 4-0 at home by Pewsey Vale.

Purton were completely outplayed by Don Rogers' side who scored two goals in each half and dominated the game.

The Red House side got off to the worse possible start when they conceded a penalty after just seven minutes and Steve Thomas scored from the spot. Purton's only worthwhile reply was a corner by Jim Igoe that was dropped by the Pewsey keeper but there was no Purton player around to knock in the loose ball.

Pewsey went further ahead on 38 minutes, Craig Wall netting from close range.

After a few words from boss Alan Clarke during the break, Purton began to improve in the second half and had a man advantage when Pewsey's Micky Goodwin was sent off for two bookable offences.

Shortly after, the visitors netted a third, Wall again on target.

Worse was to follow for the home side who conceded another penalty on 83 minutes, Thomas again converting, and shortly after they had Paul Davis sent off for two bookable offences.