PURTON manager Justin Miller jovially warned his players that they may be forced to dust off their running shoes if tomorrow’s derby clash with Shrivenham is rained off.

No team have been hit harder by the winter weather than Purton in the Hellenic League Division One West – Miller’s men haven’t played since December 28 - and should this weekend’s trip to Barrington Park to take on Michael McNally’s Shrivvy fall foul of the elements, their next outing could potentially not take place until February 27.

Over the last six weeks, Purton have been restricted to the training pitch and Miller joked that he may have to kick-off another pre-season programme to blow off the cobwebs.

“All we’ve done is train on a Tuesday and have the odd session on a Saturday, and it has been tough because the lads are frustrated,” said the Purton boss.

“If this weekend’s game is off, then we don’t have a match the week after and the gap becomes eight weeks – I said to the lads that I might have to do another pre-season.

“I spoke to Macca (McNally, Shrivvy manager) on Thursday and he said their pitch was in good condition, so fingers crossed.

“I think we’re just desperate to get a game on. They’re all champing at the bit for that but they all play plenty of five-a-side and six-a-side, so I wouldn’t expect them to be too rusty.

“I feel that it’s a good game to come back into. When we played each other earlier in the season (a 1-0 win to Purton on November 21), it wasn’t the best of games and neither side played that well.

“But Shrivenham have made a couple of signings recently and they’ve only been losing by the odd goal, so I think it will definitely be a competitive game.

Purton are set to be without striker Ben Carter and central midfielder Steve May, who are both injured.

Elsewhere, table-toppers Fairford Town, who host Letcombe next Tuesday evening, and New College, who host Shrivenham next Wednesday, are without a game.