SHRIVENHAM were able to lift themselves off the bottom of the Hellenic Division One West table with a home point against local rivals Purton.

The visitors opened the scoring in the first half when Shrivenham defender Steve Keir was caught out by a ball through the middle and Shane Hibbert netted.

Michael McNally’s side, who went into the game at the foot of the table, hauled themselves level when Fraser Little volleyed home.

Shrivenham had chances to claim the win as they dominated possession in the second half but had to settle for the point that lifted them above New College Swindon and Tytherington Rocks.

“I think we could have got all three points, especially with the way we played in the second half,” said McNally.

“I thought we were outstanding in the second period but it was the same old story that we couldn’t put the ball in the net, having had 80 per cent of the ball.

“We didn’t start great and it was a typical local derby in the first 20 minutes and we were caught flat-footed for their goal.

“They played a ball through the middle and their centre forward has gone through and scored a good goal.

“We settled down for five minutes and Callum Little has put in a good corner and Fraser Little has volleyed it in from eight yards.

“At half time I changed it around to a more orthodox 4-4-2 for a bit more shape and Justin (Miller, Purton boss) said after that we might have deserved the three points.

“They probably edged it first half but in the second we could have gone on to win it.

“I am delighted for the lads because they are working their socks off and putting their shifts in and now it is paying off.”

Shrivenham now face fellow strugglers New College on Wednesday evening with McNally hoping that his side can put some distance between themselves and the foot of the table.

“We can now start looking up the table a bit more,” he added.

“All the lads are sticking together and are fighting for each other so we have half a chance. In a couple of weeks, if we get a few more positive results, I could be talking to you asking what all the fuss was about.”