A FEROCIOUS 25-yard strike from James Turner, which gave Wootton Bassett Town the lead, should have been the most memorable moment of his side’s 2-2 derby draw against Purton, writes STUART SMEDLEY.
However, his blistering strike was to be overshadowed by three penalties, two of which were debatable.
The first – which went in favour of the hosts – was justifiable as Adam Field proved too quick for Purton’s James Townsend and was scythed down by the burly centre back.
But, with the chance to give his side a commanding lead going into the break, Luke Sharps drilled the penalty straight at Jonathan Cowley, who made a comfortable save.
The hosts were made to pay for this miss just 30 seconds after the restart.
Yet, Dave Turner’s side will feel extremely hard done by as Steve Groom was adjudged to have shoved Ashley Gooch, when in fact the defender merely got himself in the way to shield the ball out of play.
Warren Fuller duly dispatched the spot kick, and then gave his side the lead on the hour mark when he coolly slotted home after springing the offside trap.
The lead failed to last as Purton’s Paul Blagden was cruelly penalised for a push on Sam English when in fact his momentum carried him into the Bassett midfielder.
Jon Holloway showed little sympathy though as he confidently placed the ball past Cowley.
Purton had earlier found Stewart Thompson in fine form as the Bassett ‘keeper brilliantly parried away from Fuller before acrobatically tipping a clever Johnny Coole free kick around the post to keep his side ahead at half time.
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