PURTON manager Justin Miller thinks that a top-three finish in Hellenic League Division One West would represent a fine return from his first season in charge at the Redhouse.

Miller’s men are currently third in the table but have completed more matches than any of their nearest rivals, including five more than fourth-placed Tuffley Rovers.

But Purton travel to Tuffley on Tuesday night as they close in on the home straight of their season and, with five games to go, boss Miller thinks that his team have every chance of putting together a positive end to their campaign.

“It’s an important game at Tuffley and we also play (first-placed) Longlevens soon. They both have a chance of winning the league and they know it won’t be easy to get three points against us,” said the Redhouse chief.

“I know we’ve played more games than the other teams but Tuffley have to win all their games.

“We know that we can beat any team in the division and if we win our last five, who knows where we can end up?

“I don’t think that we can win the league but a top-three finish would be good for my first season in charge. I’m already looking to build for next season and I know what I need to get in.”

Purton kept their good form rolling on with a 2-0 home win over Clanfield on Saturday.

When the hosts finally found their feet, Lee Toomey finely half-volleyed Miller’s side into the lead before Toomey turned provider to tee up Marcus Hall, who headed home his team’s second of the afternoon.

Elsewhere in the division, there was disappointment for New College as they were thrashed 6-2 by fellow mid-table side Shortwood United Reserves.

Meanwhile, Fairford Town are still searching for their first league win since October last year after they were hammered 4-0 at North Leigh United.