WOOTTON Bassett manager Dave Turner’s main aim this weekend is to keep 11 men on the pitch for their derby clash with Purton.

When the two sides met in December Bassett had to play 70 minutes of the game with 10 men after Russell Driver was sent off for deliberate handball on the line, and Purton dispatched the penalty to make it 1-0.

Turner’s side battled back to equalise but they eventually lost 2-1, and the Bassett boss is out to avoid a repeat this time around.

“We played well in the first game against them but it was hard to play with 10 men for so long and it eventually led to us losing the game.

“If we can keep all of our players on the field this time then we will give them a good game, I am sure of that.”

Historically Bassett and Purton have always enjoyed competitive games, and Turner is expecting the same again this time around against Chris Pethick’s side.

“To be honest, out of all of the local derbies we play I think this one has to be the one I look forward to the most.

“They are always good, close games, and Chris’s teams always play the right way, which we do as well. I have a full squad to chose from which is always good, and I still have a few decisions to make on what team to put out because a few of our players have really put themselves forward this week.”

Elsewhere in the division Malmesbury host Lydney Town in a close battle at the bottom of the Hellenic Division One West table, while New College Swindon go to Headington Amateurs.

In the week’s other fixture, Cricklade have arguably the toughest task as they take on third placed Winterbourne United.