FAIRFORD Town manager Gareth Davies felt his side could have snatched a late winner as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against title rivals Cheltenham Saracens.

Heading into the game, the Cinder Lane outfit knew it was imperative not to slip up against a team who sat a place behind them at the top of the Hellenic League Division One West with five games in hand.

However, they got off to the worst possible start when Archie Haskayne put the visitors in front after seven minutes.

Fairford responded in the 36th minute when Jack Ellis volleyed home Jason Milhench’s cross to make it level at the break.

The hosts had the better of the second half and Danny Hale had a claim for a penalty in the 87th minute waved away by the referee to deny Fairford all three points.

“I thought in the end it probably was a fair result but we probably could have nicked it,” said Davies.

“In the second half we absolutely dominated proceedings.

“First half we started a bit sluggish again and for 35 minutes they took it to us and scored an early goal, which got their tails up.

“We didn’t panic and gradually got ourselves into it before we equalised.

“We had a word at half time because we were giving the ball away too cheaply and we don’t normally do that.

“For the second 45 minutes I don’t think they got out of their half and with about two minutes to go Danny Hale has been brought down in the box and it is a stonewall penalty for me.

“Overall I think we created some decent chances and a draw was probably a fair result because they defended very well.”

The point leaves Fairford still top of the pile with four teams now lying in wait nine points behind waiting to pounce should Davies’ side slip up.

“At the end of the day we didn’t get beat and it is another point on the tally,” he added.

“We have got nine games now and we have got to keep adding points.

“I think we are nine points clear at the moment but there are loads of them all on 26 points just waiting.

“I think all those teams have got to play each other, whereas we only have to play Carterton and then the rest of our games are all against teams below fifth.”

PURTON saw their game with Easington Sports called off due to the wet weather.

Justin Miller’s side have yet to kick a ball in anger in 2016, with their last outing on December 28 following Saturday’s match postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Bottom two sides Shrivenham and New College had no game this weekend.