SAVIOUR RESCUES
LUKE PURNELL turned in an outstanding performance for league leaders Weston as they picked up a vital point at Swindon Supermarine.
The Seagulls keeper made a string of fine saves as the leaders fended off their mid-table opponents at the Webbswood Stadium.
Supermarine were looking to keep a winning run going after two wins in two league matches.
On a sticky surface, a quiet opening ensued with sporadic efforts from the tricky Elis Watts well fielded and a strike from Brad Hooper blasted over the top.
The best chance of the half fell to Supermarine winger Ryan Campbell just after the half hour. Following a corner, the ball came out to Campbell whose fierce drive was superbly batted away by Purnell in the visiting goal.
A flurry of yellow cards ensued in the first half — a competitive, but never dirty match with two cautions apiece.
The second period followed the same pattern, but with Weston having the bulk of the pressure only to see the home defence holding firm under the stewardship of captain Mat Liddiard. However, Marine always looked sharp on the break with league top scorer Harry Williams a threat.
With time running out and the visitors pushing hard, a great break from Swindon saw Henry Spalding tee up a chance for Williams whose superb swivel and shot close in looked destined for the top corner until Purnell flew through the air to push it wide.
It was a world-class match saving stop by the in-form Purnell who kept his side in the game.
Josh Gould, in the home goal, earned his salt a minute later as his save onto a post was equally as important to keep the deadlock.
Despite an extra five minutes, no breakthrough was achieved and in fairness three points for either side would have been unjust.
Failure to pick up all three points meant that Weston were leapfrogged at the top of the table by Truro, although they have two games in hand over the White Tigers,