STOURPORT SWIFTS 2, MALVERN TOWN 1

MALVERN Town threw all three points away in this basement clash in the British Gas Business Division One Midlands on Saturday at Stourport.

Malvern started the game in the same form that saw them beat Stourbridge in the Errea Cup the previous Tuesday and they went into the half-time break one goal up although it should have been at least three goals with poor finishing letting them down again.

Malvern took the lead after on 10 minutes when Joel Skyers crossed the ball to Jamie Hyde, who knocked the ball back to Daniel Harding-Hall whose shot hit the post. Bryan Craven was the first to react and he slotted the rebound into the net.

After half an hour, the ball was crossed to Paul Edwards, who saw his shot saved but the rebound fell to Gary Walker whose strike hit Michael Cole and went clear. Just before the break Walker played the ball into the area, Bryan Craven anticipated but fired the ball over the bar just before Craig Humphries in the Stourport goal could reach it. A minute later, Daniel Harding-Hall threaded his way through several players before unleashing a shot which sailed over the cross bar.

Stourport had been very lethargic and disinterested in the first-half but they started the second period looking much more determined and equalised in the 47th minute when former Town player Rik Halion crossed the ball to an offside-looking Richard Burgess to slot home.

Three minutes later Malvern's Harding-Hall ran into the area but was fouled by Humphries and the referee awarded a penalty. After treatment to Harding-Hall, who was substituted because he was unable to continue, Bryan Craven stepped up but fired the penalty wide of the right hand post.

Stourport forced a couple of corners in the 54th minute. The first, Nick Clayton cleared off the line but the second was headed home by Steve Frost for 2-1.

Malvern heads dropped a little after this and the game petered out as Stourport were more than happy to sit back and protect their much-needed victory.