WELLAND Reserves beat local rivals Malvern Vale Firsts 4-2 to book a Cheltenham League Division Four play-off final with Malvern Vale Academy on Saturday.

Fourth-placed Vale Firsts started slowly and went a goal down within five minutes to a back-post header from a corner.

The visitors impressed with the ball but did not have enough of it with Brad Hughes nodding narrowly wide with a rare chance.

On 20 minutes Vale’s deficit was doubled when keeper Steve Newman could only parry an effort into the path of Welland's left winger who put the ball into an empty net.

Vale finally found a bit of spark with Luke Henney and Kieran Kinsella linking up well on the right.

Ash Dallow headed a Joe Tuner free-kick narrowly over while the Welland keeper saved comfortably from Kieran Kinsella.

Although Vale’s back four defended well at times, over-complicated play in front of them did not help.

With a change of formation, Vale started the second half brightly, winning more of the second ball but again their chances were limited.

Third-placed Welland broke away on the hour to add a third goal and then made it 4-0.

With 20 minutes to go, Vale scored two quick goals with substitute Joe Dallow twice benefitting from Joe Turner assists but it was a case of too little too late.

Defender Luke Henney was Vale's man of the match.

Second-placed Vale Academy thrashed Woodmancote United, who were fifth, 5-1 with Ash Griffiths (2), Toby Boswell, Gav Hodgkins and Callum Hill scoring.

Hanley Swan were hammered 7-2 in their Division Two play-off at FC Barometrics Reserves.

Kyle Bellmonte and George Brand scored as Upton Town drew 2-2 with fellow high-fliers Andoversford in Division One.