A FINE long range strike from Joe Dorey in the dying stages of the match gave Purton a superb 3-2 success over fellow title rivals Lydney Town.

The Severnsiders had taken a 2-1 lead at the Red House, but Justin Miller’s men never gave up as a Richie Saunders header and Dorey’s right-footed effort from outside the area ensured that the points remain at Purton.

And now Miller’s outfit, who have won their last five matches in an unbeaten run of 11 games, are just one point behind the team they vanquished yesterday and three adrift of Hellenic League Division One West leaders Longlevens.

The Purton chief, who said when taking over the reins from Chris Pethick in the summer that the aim was to win the title, believes that his side are showing a lot more quality now.

“It took us time to get a settled side,” Miller said. “We have got that now, we are using a squad of 17/18 players and that is a big plus.

“They are showing a lot more quality in the final third now and that is fantastic.

“We’ve always had a settled back four – we know that has been solid all season.

“Before the campaign got started I said the team that would win the league would be the one who shows the most consistency.”

After a strong start against the Gloucestershire side, Purton found themselves 1-0 down at the break.

However, a fine strike from Jerome Dodson levelled matters only for Lydney to regain the lead with 15 minutes remaining.

But Saunders and Dorey struck to leave Miller smiling.

“It was a great game of football between two good sides,” the Purton boss said. “I know that they will be disappointed that they didn’t take anything from the game.

“But my boys gave 100 per cent, worked hard for each other and we scored three great goals.”