Top scorer Dave Reynolds missing for Malvern Town side buoyed by 8-0 win

Last weekend’s 8-0 demolition of Willenhall Town left Malvern boss Les Jones “delighted” with his side ahead of the journey to the Staffordshire team sitting 11 places below them.

But the loss of 22-goal Dave Reynolds due to prior commitments has been described as a “major blow” by Jones.

He said: “I’m delighted we got eight goals against Willenhall. We took our chances well and it showed. We defended well too. It was a great performance.

“I do believe we can win on Saturday. I’m full of confidence. It’s a long journey to face a difficult team but we are on a good run so we can do it.

“Losing your top scorer is always going to be a major blow but, looking around the team, there are boys here who can take over from him.

“You need a good squad to win the league and a game, not just one player. That’s what we have.

“The pitch should suit our style as a passing team as it’s nice to play on, which you don’t often get, so that’s always a positive when you’re going away.

“We are in third place, so we are third favourites to win the league. A top-two finish is my aim and that’s why games like tomorrow are crucial encounters.”

Malvern sit 10 points behind leaders Haughmond and seven behind Wolverhampton Sporting Community.

They still have to face Haughmond twice and Wolverhampton once.

Along with Reynolds, Paul Edwards will be missing as he recovers from an arm injury and Jamie Hyde is still suspended.

The reserves dropped to fourth in Division Two after a 2-0 defeat at Allscott.

It ended a run of three league wins for the second string since late October when they put away Tipton Youth 3-1, Bewdley Town Reserves 3-2 and Broseley 2-0.

Among the goalscorers during that spell were Paris Blake, Jake Churchill, Jack Macintosh, Sam Daffin, Yunus Giwa, Chris Watling and Chris Parker (2).

The reserves host Telford Juniors in the League Cup at the HDanywhere Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm).