A SETTLED squad is paying dividends as Purton were able to keep claim a point against a strong Tuffley Rovers side.

Purton appear to have overcome their early season poor form and manager Justin Miller is putting that down to being able to name the same squad every week.

It was the home side that started the better in the clash at the Red House, where a win would have seen Fairford leap-frog their opponents in the league.

Their goal came after some nice team play saw Joe Dory get on the end of a cross at put the home side in front.

The lead was shirt-lived though when they visitors struck just three minutes later and it was only a fine save from John Cowley from the penalty spot that prevented the hosts going behind.

Purton had to hold out towards the end after a second half substitute picked up an injury and Miller was unable to replace him.

“They were a good team, physically strong and probably the best side we have played this season,” said Miller.

“We took the lead pretty early with a good goal and then conceded a bit of a soft goal about three minutes after we scored which was a bit of a blow.

“We were in control for most of the first half, we didn’t start off too great but after ten minutes we kind of got hold of the first half, it was just a bit of a soft goal, if we had just kept it for another five minutes but that is football.

“They had a penalty, John Cowley saved it, and then we had two really good chances to go in two goals up in the first half.

“Second half we made some subs and then one of the subs got injured so we were kind of like playing with ten men for the last 20 minutes.

“We had to defend really well under some pressure and I think it was a fair result in the end.

“We are pleased with the result they are a good side and we played well, going back around three weeks ago we probably would have got beaten.

“We’ve got a settled team now and it is paying off.”