MALVERN Vale Academy overturned a two-goal deficit to knock Division Two strugglers Andoversford Reserves out of the Cheltenham League's Minor Charity Cup with a 7-3 win.

Vale are now the only Division Four team remaining in the competition's quarter-finals.

After a positive performance the previous week, the starting 11 remained unchanged but an awful start quickly saw them two goals down.

Defensive blunders and poor marking saw Andoversford striker Rick Haughton twice beat George Weaver from close range and the keeper also pulled off an early one-on-one save.

Vale reacted by making two early changes with Craig Morris replacing Alex Berry and moving Mike Thackeray to left-back while Morris moved in alongside Les Brown in middle.

Cal Hill also came on for his debut, replacing Brandon Scaife on the left wing.

Vale gradually began to take shape and caused problems with Hill beating his marker on the left as along with Ash Griffiths and Andre Rodrigues he missed a good chance to pull a goal back.  Griffiths began the comeback as the striker scored twice in quick succession prior to half-time to give Vale confidence.

They took the lead early in the second half when a Hill corner drifted over keeper Craig Collinson and Rodrigues was on hand for the easiest of tap-ins.

It was all Vale now and Griffiths completed his hat-trick with a solo run and finish.

Ben Goode made his debut, replacing Mike Heath.

Hill rounded off his first game with a run down the left, cutting in and firing a top-corner strike from just outside the box to make it 5-2.

A Brown free-kick then found Griffiths in the box who put the game beyond doubt.

There was still time for Goode to play Griffiths in and he chipped the ball over the onrushing Collinson before tapping the ball into the empty net.

Andoversford pulled back a consolation with an impressive finish from a narrow angle in the box but by then the game was won for Vale.

They return to action on October 28 at White Eagles in the Worcestershire FA Saturday Minor Cup.

Malvern Vale firsts won 5-4 at Cheltenham United in the Primary Charity Trophy with Toby Boswell (2), Ashley Dallow, Jason Stavert and Joe Turner on target.

Welland Reserves lost 7-1 at St Pauls United in the Minor Charity Cup with Joe Crews scoring late on.

They visit Vale firsts in Division Four on Saturday (3pm).

Upton Town were knocked out of the Junior Charity Cup 4-3 on penalties at Andoversford after drawing 1-1.

Jamie Preece netted for Upton who visit Dowty Dynamos on Saturday.