FAIRFORD Town boss Gareth Davies is anticipating a “feisty” affair when his side play host to local rivals Purton in Division One West on Saturday.

The two sides’ form could not be in starker contrast, with Purton enjoying a five-match unbeaten run in the league and Fairford collecting just one point from the last four games.

That came in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw at Carterton and Davies hopes a full-strength Fairford side can use that to gather momentum.

Captain Matt Boucher and striker Alex Rudd are both fit to return for Town this weekend.

“It is a big game but we need to keep going from what we did on Tuesday,” said Davies.

“We won’t put any pressure on the players, although it is a derby and I do expect it to be a bit feisty.

“We have been lacking a bit of guts and determination for a few weeks. On Tuesday, it just came together. It’s just a shame we couldn’t hold on for the win.

“Hopefully the players now know that if they are going to get results, they need that as well as ability.

“We were down to the bare bones on Tuesday but we have got too many now. Everyone is back available and that gives me a headache as all the lads that came in on Tuesday did well.

“I looked at the table on Wednesday and we were still second from bottom, but if we win on Saturday it pushes us up towards mid-table.

“Hopefully we have turned the corner just before Christmas because we have got some big games coming up.”

Ben Carter will miss the match for Purton but Rich Saunders, Tom Swindall and Jerome Dodson are all fit to return.

Although bragging rights will be up for grabs at Cinder Lane, Purton chief Justin Miller is just keen to maintain his side’s good form.

“I know their management team having played with and against them. They will want to get one over on me, just like I do with them,” said Miller.

“We had some great results in November and hopefully we can match that in December.

“We want to continue what we have been doing. We’ve got three more games before Christmas and we’ve got to try to get as many wins as we can and see where we are then.

“It’s such a tight league that any team that goes on a run will climb the table. Luckily, we’ve been able to do that.”

Meanwhile, New College face a trip to second-placed Lydney Town.

In the Premier Division, Wootton Bassett Town are away at league leaders Highmoor Ibis, while Shriveham are also on the road and travel to fellow strugglers Abingdon United.