CHERRY RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE: HIGHWORTH Town kept up their recent run of victories with a 3-2 success over neighbours Wootton Bassett.
It was the town's sixth successive league victory and has taken them from bottom but one to mid-table safety.
In an exciting local derby Highworth took the lead on 20 minutes, Guy Ward playing the ball through for Peter Moss to run on and slot past the Bassett goalkeeper.
Almost immediately the home side equalised when Highworth's new signing from Swindon Supermarine,Tony Joyce, attempted to shield the ball over the byline. A Bassett forward nipped in and crossed the ball into the path of Highworth defender Garry Hall, who appeared to put the ball into his own net, although Bassett's Tony Macek claimed he got the final touch.
On the stroke of half-time the home side took a 2-1 lead when a mix-up between Highworth defenders Gary Hall and Matt Goodwin allowed Nathan Hall to nip in and score in his first game after a lengthy absence.
Five minutes after the restart a good through ball by Dave Webb set up Warren Fuller who raced through to score an equaliser and set the stage for an entertaining last 40 minutes.
Play switched from end to end until the 70th minute when Highworth's Steve Stewart shot through a crowd of players to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Bassett fought hard to get back on terms but the Highworth defence defended their slender lead well.
Wootton Bassett boss Pete Yeardley said: "I was pleased with the performance from the lads but not the result. We showed commitment and worked hard and the defensive lapse cost us again, but on the whole the team played well.
"Highworth are flying at the moment and perhaps we played them at the wrong time."
Fairford manager Mark Webb was pleased his side got back on the winning path after their midweek hiccup against Highworth.
After a goal-less first 45 minutes Clarke scored what proved to be the winner six minutes after the start of the second half.
Premier leaders Yate Town gained a 1-0 success over Wantage, second placed Gloucester United beat Cirencester Academy 3-1 and third in the table North Leigh ran out 3-0 winners over Bicester Town.
In Division One Don Rogers' Pewsey Vale had their good league run halted when they were beaten 1-0 by second in the table Middle Barton, Hambis scoring the winner midway through the second half.
Bottom but one Malmesbury Vics salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Chipping Norton, Sandell on target for the Vics and Beacham for the visitors.
Purton were in action in the first round of the Supplementary Cup and beat Shrivenham 2-1.
Purton took the lead after just five minutes, Jim Igoe and Steve Avenall combining well to set up Jamie Richards who scored from close range.
Honours were then fairly even until the 40th minute when Purton's Richard Blankley finished off a three man move with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Shrivenham had the edge after the break and pulled a goal back on 78 minutes, former Purton player Chris Ayres doing the damage.
Purton were then forced to defend their lead as the visitors pushed forward looking for an equaliser.
However the Purton back four well marshalled by Martin Thompson hung on for victory.
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