Manager David Richardson was back to take charge of the team for the first time since the Longlevens home match in December and he was able to shuffle the side slightly from the game against Shortwood. Danny Joyce replaced Andy Shapland in goal, Elliott Harper started at right-back and Andy Goodchild was back to lead the line up front. Matt Clark, Dan Courtney and Richardson were our three substitutes.

We made a slow start and incredibly almost conceded a goal in the first 10 seconds. A right wing break and low cross left Tom Swindall with the goal at his mercy, but keeper Danny Joyce bravely threw himself at the ball and blocked the shot with his face. A great tackle from Jack Hamblin denied Purton before at the other end, Letcombe claimed a penalty after a cross clearly struck a defender`s arm. The referee was having none of it and waved away our protests.

Purton took the lead after 33 minutes, Steve Davies heading a corner powerfully home at the back post as we struggled to keep hold of the ball and create opportunities.

Our management demanded more from the players in the second half and it was all the more disappointing that Purton increased their lead early in the second half, Ben Carter scoring from close range after a low cross from the left.

At 2-0 own we finally started to impact the game and after Elliott Harper cleared off the line to prevent Purton going 3-0 up, we did manager to get a goal. A long clearance from Luke Stone found Andy Goodchild and he just managed to reach the loose ball before home keeper Jonathan Cowley, and lobbed the ball over his head into the empty net. That was Goodchild's first of the season and he was unlucky to see his shot blocked moments later after good work from Elliott Harper.

Purton forward Ben Carter was sent off with 15 minutes remaining for aiming a kick at Luke Stone, but despite a numerical advantage, we failed to create any clear chances.

Indeed, in the last minute, Purton were awarded a penalty when Luke Stone appeared to time his tackle perfectly, but Danny Joyce saved Lee Toomey`s spot kick.

On a difficult playing surface this was a pretty disappointing afternoon for our players and management as we only really got going with 35 minutes left. We now have 7 out of the next 8 games at Bassett Road and have the small matter of a local derby against Wantage Town Reserves next Saturday. The chance to do the double over our near neighbours should mean our players will re-focus and move on from this one quickly.

Letcombe: 1. Danny Joyce, 2. Elliott Harper, 3. Tom Broad, 4. Jack Hamblin, 5. Luke Stone, 6. Adam Claydon (12. Matt Clark 65), 7. Tom Stone, 8. Matt Pill, 9. Andy Goodchild, 10. Howard Hawkins (14. Dan Courtney 75), 11. Alex Thomas
Sub not used: 15. Dave Richardson