Purton consolidated top spot in the under 15 Division with a convincing 4-1 win over Highworth at the Red House.

A Tom Cadden hat-trick proved to be the difference between the two sides in a game that was initially delayed because of a frost-ridden pitch.

When the encounter did get the go-ahead, Purton dominated early possession without posing a real goal threat.

A break down the right wing on 10 minutes by Ben Cowley showed that Highworth could be dangerous on the counter attack, but it was Purton who came closest to scoring from a succession of corners.

A fine save from Ben Goodey, tipping the ball round his right-hand post from a strong strike on 26 minutes, prevented Purton going into the lead, and a few minutes later the Highworth keeper saved well with his feet after a Purton attack had beaten the off-side trap.

Daniel Whitaker fired just wide for the visitors after good running down the right flank by Lorien Bardwell.

Highworth then enjoyed a good 10-minute spell with several chances falling to Whitaker, but it was Purton who opened the scoring when Cadden latched on to the ball in the Highworth box and gave Goodey no chance.

In a cup meeting between the two clubs a fortnight ago, Highworth emerged from the interval with all guns blazing.

This time it was Purton who seized the initiative, moving the ball around well and setting Arran Kimber clear through the middle.

Kimber lofted the ball past the stranded Highworth keeper to double the lead.

Two minutes later Highworth had pulled one back as Bardwell picked up the ball on the edge of the Purton box and his instinctive first-time shot dipped under the crossbar for a spectacular goal.

Parker then had a shot well saved by the Purton keeper, but the home side retaliated with a third goal on 49 minutes when Cadden struck again.

Highworth continued to battle and a Stephen Ware free-kick was headed over the bar. Then midway through the second half, Highworth lost Whitaker and Ben Cowley to the heavy playing surface and surrendered the middle of the pitch.

Goodey could do nothing to prevent Cadden completing a well-deserved hat-trick as Purton edged closer to the title.

In the under 14 Cup, two goals from Joe Murphy and a Liam Stovall strike helped Kingsdown to a 3-0 win over Eldene.

Scott Barnes scored his 22nd of the season as Brunel Boys beat Eldene 2-1 in the Under 13 cup. Elliott Willand bagged the other for the winners.

Cricklade progressed after a 3-0 home win over Ashton Keynes and Highworth Colts also went through following an 8-1 triumph at Malmesbury.

Honours were even in the under 11/12 Division clash between Malmesbury (11s) and Brunel (12s), which finished 1-1.

The first half saw Malmesbury having far more attacking opportunities without making the breakthrough.

The opener finally arrived 15 minutes into the second half, but Brunel quickly hit back to earn a point when Liam Izod equalised.

Cirencester & District League Eldene Under 13s desperately require a goalkeeper to finish the season. Anyone interested contact Adey Desborough on 01793 334613.