JUSTIN Miller says Purton must make the most of their chances if they are to beat local rivals Fairford Town at home on Saturday.

The two sides shared a 1-1 draw when they met in early December and manager Miller believes missed opportunities cost Purton two additional points that day.

Purton have been in good form of late and are currently enjoying an eight-match unbeaten run in the league dating back to mid-October.

Miller said: “We are looking forward to it. It should be a good game.

“When we played them earlier in the season we should have had it sewn up by half-time. They then got better in the second half and will maybe feel they could have nicked it.

“We need to start well again and when the chances come along we need to make sure we take them.

“We just have to go out there and work as hard as they do. If we do that hopefully our qualities will shine through and allow us to win the game.”

Marcus Hall is unavailable for Purton, while Ben Carter is suspended and Paul Day is injured.

Fairford have not won in the league since last October but boss Gareth Davies believes there have been enough good signs in recent weeks to suggest that barren spell will be over soon.

Three of Town’s last four league games have ended in draws, including the game at home to Purton and a 4-4 thriller against Cirencester Town development last time out.

“In the last few weeks we have been getting better. Although we are conceding a few goals our performances are getting there,” said Davies.

“There were plenty of positives when we played Cirencester in our last game.

“They are a good team and if the circumstances were a bit different we would have got a result. That shows how much we have come on.

“It has been frustrating and when we look at our squad it isn’t bad, we just need a bit of a kick up the backside to get us going.

“We are still a young squad and I spoke to the chairman a few days ago and he wants us to build for the future. If we can keep this lot together in a few years we will have a good squad.

“In these sort of derby games you don’t have to say too much. The players know what to expect and what we expect from them.

“For the management teams it’s a case of setting the players up and then letting them go and express themselves.”

Callum Marshall and Ben Anderson are both suspended for Fairford having been sent off against Cirencester.

Elsewhere, New College are at home to North Leigh United.