MALVERN Town got off to a losing start in the British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands.

The first quarter-of-an-hour was played with both sides being cagey.

Former Worcester City keeper Lewis Skyers, a summer signing, made a point-blank save from Romulus' Michael Batchelor.

But Malvern took the lead in the 20th minute through Dan Harding-Hall.

Ed Lyons passed to Jamie Hyde who threaded the ball for Harding-Hall to rifle into the top right-hand corner.

On the half-hour, there was a mad scramble in the Malvern goalmouth which was eventually cleared after several half-chances.

But, on 40 minutes, Romulus had a free-kick just inside their half and they played a long ball into the box.

Skyers missed the ball and Tyrone Fagan was waiting to head home.

Just before half-time, Lyons was played through he ran into the box and was brought down by Chris Charles.

The referee awarded a penalty which Lyons put away to make the half time score 2-1.

In the 48th minute, Malvern broke on the right and a fierce shot by Simon Baker hit the post.

Seven minutes later, Skyers brought off another point-blank save from Fagan as Romulus applied the pressure.

Skyers also caught a header from Leon Mitchell with the rain pouring down and making conditions tricky.

After a Malvern defender slipped, the impressive Mitchell slotted away the ball for the equaliser.

Three minutes later, Skyers saved with his legs but he could do nothing following a further slip which let in Mitchell for his second goal on 67 minutes.

Romulus continued to press and Skyers made a one-handed stop five minutes from time.

But Sebastian Hamilton ran past a falling Malvern defender soon after to make the final score 4-2.