Cherry Records Hellenic League

PREMIER Division league leaders Highworth Town were made to fight hard for their 2-1 victory over local rivals Fairford Town, who prior to the game had lost just two of their seven league matches.

Goalmouth action was few and far between in the opening 25 minutes of the game as both sides weighed each other up.

However on the half hour the pattern changed as first Justin Miller hit the underside of the Fairford bar with a 25 yarder, the ball bouncing down on the goal-line, and Keith Walker also going close with a good effort.

Two minutes before the break Fairford's first real attack resulted in a defensive mix-up between Highworth goalkeeper Anthony Betterton and Matthew Goodwin and the ball fell for former Highworth Town player Lee Morse to fire gleefully into the net from ten yards and put his old club a goal down at the interval.

Highworth looked a more determined side after the break and had a couple of good half chances to have drawn level soon after the re-start.

Fairford for their part defended well and kept the home forwards at bay until the 67th minute when a corner taken by Matthew Goodwin was headed into the net at the far post by Andy Wollen to level the scores.

The goal acted as a tonic for the home side who set off in search of the winner and they were rewarded when a great through ball by Miller found its way to midfielder David Webb, who took it in his stride and gave the Fairford goalkeeper no chance.

Fairford fought hard to get back on level terms and had a good effort from a free kick charged down in the closing stages.

Swindon Supermarine turned in the result of the day in the Premier Division inflicting the first league defeat of the season on Brackley Town by 2-1.

Wootton Bassett picked up another three points with a good 2-1 win over Abingdon United. A well worked move on 32 minutes ended with Jeremy Newton putting Bassett ahead.

They held their advantage until the 71st minute when Nick O'Hara scored an equaliser for United.

Not to be outdone Bassett fought back and Newton scored the winner in the 83rd minute with a low hard drive from the edge of the box.

Purton, looking for their first league victory of the season, were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Red House by Old Woodstock Town.

It was their eighth attempt to pick up three points and on paper looked to have a good chance. However neither side looked like breaking the deadlock with both sets of forwards lacking finishing power.