PURTON almost caused a shock cup upset when they shared eight goals with Premier Division Almondsbury Town after extra time in an exciting first round tie at The Red House.

The home side more than held their own in the opening 20 minutes but fell behind on 27 minutes when a defensive error allowed Steve Rice to intercept a loose ball and tap into an empty net.

There were no further goals in that half despite near misses at both ends.

After the break Purton missed a couple of simple chances before they equalised on the hour when Ross Kent ran through and rounded the keeper.

Play continued to switch from end to end and on 70 minutes Damien Taggart restored Almondsbury's lead.

Five minutes later Purton were on level terms again when Jimmy Wright converted an excellent cross from Mickey Heath. The goal was followed three minutes later by Almondsbury's Andy Watts who cut in from the flank and challenged to regain his side the lead.

Jimmy Wright then missed a free header but atoned a few minutes later when his shot on goal rebounded for Mickey Heath to fire into the net and take the tie into extra time.

In the first period Purton took the lead when sub Paul Blanchard hit a great left footer over the Almondsbury keeper from 18 yards.

The home side should then have sealed the tie as Courtney Chessill, who was having a great game for Purton, struck the bar and Blanchard shot wide when handily placed.

The missed chances proved costly in the second period when a hopeful ball forward fell to Purton's Mark McMeeking who slipped on the treacherous surface attempting to clear.

Taggart nipped in to equalise and force a replay at Almondsbury next week.

Purton line up: Luke Alder, Neil Skinner, Scott Crumbie, Paul Gillett, Mark McMeeking, Paul Carson, Ross Kent, Mickey Heath, Courtney Chessell, Jimmy Wright, Chris Ayres, Subs: Paul Blanchard, Stuart Cole.