PROMOTED Malvern Town slipped to their first Southern League division one midlands defeat on Bank Holiday Monday at the hands of title hopefuls and county neighbours Evesham United.

MALVERN TOWN 0, EVESHAM UNITED 2

Malvern were first to threaten at Langland Stadium when Rik Halion's cross scraped the bar and a Wes Joyce header was scrambled away as Malvern called the shots.

Following a foul in the midfield area the referee played advantage and Richard Ball, although looking to have run offside, sprinted clear to fire home in the 17th minute.

Both teams struggled to get on top as well-organised defences dominated the game.

Malvern were unlucky not to equalise after a flowing move that saw Lee Tomkins' shot hit the side netting. Grant Pickney then fired wide from an Evesham attack.

Just before half-time the ball appeared to go out for a goal-kick but the referee awarded a corner. The ball was crossed over and flicked on at the near post to Steve Lutz, who headed home.

Malvern quickly took the restart and picked out striker Dean Roberts, he found the net but the effort was disallowed for offside.

Malvern had to make a substitution at half-time and brought on Tom Sturmey for the injured Dave Cannon.

Both sides struggled to get their games going and chances were few and far between as the home side started to look tired following their ten-man heroics the previous Saturday. Malvern then introduced Mark Goodman and Tom Hobbs to try and get more into the game.

With five minutes to go Craig Humphries saved from Grant Pickney and as the game petered out Lee Tomkins squared the ball back to Hobbs, who fired just wide.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town are away in the preliminary round on the FA Cup to Midland Football Alliance side Quorn (3.00).

Quorn defeated Arnold Town 6-0 at home in the FA Cup extra preliminary round and last Saturday won 3-1 at Friar Lane & Epworth to move up to fifth place in the table.

A coach leaves the ground at 11.30am and the Three Pears (Warndon) at noon. If you would like to reserve a seat, contact Geoff Allen at the clubhouse on 01684 574068.

If required, a replay would be at Langland Stadium on Tuesday (September 5), kick-off 7.45pm.

Malvern Town reserves are away to Tenbury United (3.00).