MALVERN Town had to settle for a 1-1 draw from their longest West Midlands League Premier Division trip of the season to Ellesmere Rangers in Shropshire.

Only two weeks after beating top-five rivals Rangers 4-1 at home, Town were without Dave Reynolds and Jamie Smith (suspended), James Thomas (family commitments) and Aaron Richards (holiday).

Sixth-placed Malvern had most of the play in a cagey first-half but good moves fizzled out in the box.

Jack Cullity's sixth-minute shot was held by keeper Dan Pilkington before Ryan Jones forced a fine double save from Malvern's Chas Weaver at the other end.

Town went ahead three minutes before half-time when Sam Rathbone fired in a rebound, despite a heavy first touch, after Matt Turner's fierce shot struck the bar.

But the visitors retreated into their shell in the second period and invited Ellesmere to attack with keeper Weaver earning the man-of-the-match award.

However, Jones burst through to score the hosts' deserved equaliser 10 minutes from time.

Malvern’s only real second-half chance fell in the last minute to Rathbone, who volleyed over.