Disappointing Trowbridge Slump to away defeat.
Trowbridge stumbled to a disappointing defeat at Purton. They started well enough and controlled the first 20 minutes but with Matt Cooper absent due to a County call up and one or two players far from full fitness, they were unable to maintain their usual standards for 90 minutes. Waleed Bakali went close after 6 minutes with a good effort that went just over the bar. A fine run by Dave Percival 2 minutes later almost created an opportunity but his final pass across the front of goal was intercepted. Purton were awarded a penalty against the run of play after 20 minutes following a clumsy tackle by Luke Smith but Simon Pugh blazed the ball over the bar. Despite the penalty miss, this opportunity gave Purton some hope and with the wind at their backs they played with a little more belief. They created two chances before the break. Adam Sheppard first saving with his feet after 37 minutes and three minutes later he was in action again, turning a free kick over the bar.
Trowbridge attacked at the start of the second half but were caught on the break in the 53rd minute. A throw-in on the left wing followed by an accurate cross was headed powerfully home by Simon Pugh to give Purton the lead. Trowbridge went looking for a equaliser but all too often the final ball was not accurate or the Purton defence managed to make tackles at vital times. Booker Woodford turned on a sixpence to fire a great shot at goal in the 66th minute but it went straight into the arms of Ben Collier, the Purton 'keeper. Gavin Eyre also went close when unmarked in the 73rd minute but his header beat the crossbar as well as Collier. Trowbridge were poor by their own standards but Purton should be credited for their defensive performance.
Report by Robin Sims.
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