HELLENIC LEAGUE: Pethick bids to lift spirits (From This Is Wiltshire)

CHRIS Pethick accepts that Purton’s league campaign is all-but over and now says his task as manager is to rebuild morale.

While the Red House outfit are still in the Supplementary Cup, a relentless run of injuries throughout the season have derailed their Division One West campaign.

“We’re just trying to see the season out now and get some good results to give us morale going into next season,” said Pethick.

“The atmosphere in the changing room last week was good so that was positive.

“We know we’re not going to get anywhere this year, we just need to make sure we’re not too near the bottom.”

Purton host Carterton this weekend and Pethick is expecting his side to experience a hard afternoon at the hands of the Oxfordshire side.

“We played well last week (in winning 2-0 against North Leigh Reserves) but Carterton will be a tougher game,” he said “Carterton work hard for each other and play at a high tempo.

“They seem to have a good team spirit and have that desire and that is reflected in their league position.”

Johnny Cowley is suspended tomorrow while Jamie Richards is away.

Elsewhere in the division, Cricklade entertain Fairford, Malmesbury welcome Clanfield and Lambourn travel to Tytherington.

In the Hellenic Premier, Highworth face Flackwell and Shrivenham take on Thame at Barrington Park.

Shrivvy have a new signing in their ranks in the form of full-back Paul Carson, who was previously at the club under Alan Dyton and has most recently been at Wootton Bassett.

Boss Mark Stevens is missing the unavailable trio of Mike Scarff, Paul Sanders and Jack Goodenough.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we haven’t got any easy games now,” said Stevens.

“We’re not trying to catch Reading above us now, we’re trying to catch Highworth.”