COLWALL and Malvern could only field 10 players, but drew 1-1 at lowly Lansdown seconds in West Clubs Women’s League Severn Division One.

The fifth-placed side had struggled away from home this season, with seven straight defeats, and had to defend from the first whistle.

Lansdown could sense three points were there for the taking, but they did not account for the determined and stubborn Colwall and Malvern defenders.

The hosts were foiled by fine tackles from Becky Lewis and Nicki Harvey, with Sammie Shail picking up the loose balls.

Lansdown finally broke down the Colwall and Malvern defence when a goalmouth scramble resulted in the ball being fired past the keeper and unsighted defender on the line.

The Cheltenham side pressed more, thinking the defence would fold under the pressure.

This was not the case, and when Shail picked up the ball well into her own half, she only had one thing on her mind.

She jinked past several defenders, moved into the opposition circle and her cross-shot was forced home at the far post by Erica Abbey for her first goal for the club.

The result was a fortunate one for Colwall and Malvern, and their first point away from home this season.

They hope to add to the tally when they travel to sixth-placed Cheltenham Civil Service tomorrow.

After two weeks without a game, the second XI play at Malvern St James School against Bourton and Sherborne thirds tomorrow (2pm).

Meanwhile, Colwall and Malvern’s junior development side played their first competitive games and did the club proud.

They set up their own junior development programme at the start of the season and have regularly got more than 50 boys and girls, aged from seven to 13, attending the sessions.

Colwall and Malvern took a squad of 10 players to the Worcestershire friendly clubs seven-a-side league in Droitwich.

The tournament-style league was set up to encourage new youngsters to the game.

Their first game was against Kings Heath, and a 0-0 draw proved a fine result.

The match with Droitwich produced another 0-0 draw, but Colwall and Malvern played good passing hockey and came close to scoring.

Their final encounter was against Stourport, who were a much stronger, more experienced side.

Again the Colwall and Malvern youngsters held their own and came out again with a goalless draw, thanks to a bit of help from their on-loan keeper.

The squad produced three impressive performances, with Matt Tristram voted the team’s player of the day, with endless running and talking in midfield.

The help of coach Chris Prosser, assistant coach Ellie Blannin and umpire Melinda Bennett proved valuable, while plenty of parents came along to support the team.