MALVERN Town came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at Shawbury United in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

But Les Jones’ sixth-placed side could have taken all three points in Shropshire if they had put their chances away.

Malvern started brightly and Ben Hayes’ 12th-minute shot was only cleared to midfielder Kirk Layton, whose follow-up effort was cleared off the line.

Soon after, a good move between Lee Hooper, Dave Reynolds and Layton saw the ball fall to Aaron Richards at the back post. He fired home but was flagged offside.

In the 24th minute, Reynolds and Harry Wickett burst down the left and crossed to Layton, who fired just wide.

Town keeper Chas Weaver tipped over a Shawbury effort on 32 minutes after a free-kick.

From the resulting corner, the hosts’ Steve Faux eventually turned a low cross into the net.

Malvern equalised three minutes into the second-half when the ball was played in from the left and Hooper tapped home.

Two minutes later, Graeme Hampton’s goal kick was intercepted by the visitors’ Reynolds, who rounded a defender and ran halfway down the pitch only to fire wide.

Hooper’s overhead pass was then met by Reynolds’ 52nd-minute lob that was pushed wide by Hampton.

The game was entertaining despite few chances and Malvern’s final opportunity arrived 11 minutes from time when Sam Rathbone shot just wide after running into the box.