MANAGER Les Jones insisted it was “absolutely vital” leaders Malvern Town bounced back with a victory at lowly Dudley Town tomorrow (3pm).

Town’s 16-match unbeaten run came to end following an “inexplicable” 3-1 defeat at home to Ellesmere Rangers last Saturday.

But Jones said the defeat should act as a “wake-up call” as they look to maintain their lofty position in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Malvern were leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kyonn Evans but Ellesmere hit back with three goals in the final 16 minutes to snatch victory.

“It was a game that we should have won,” Jones said.

“For 60 to 65 minutes we totally dominated the game and we just couldn’t get the second goal. They broke away with a long ball and they scored the equaliser from it which completely lifted them and deflated us.

“We didn’t respond straight after and that’s the frustrating thing.

“It was a disappointing way to end a 16-game unbeaten run.

“To be that dominant and let the game get away from us was inexplicable.”

Malvern remain four points clear at the top, but Tividale and Wolverhampton Sporting Community have several games in hand.

With the two promotion-chasers going head-to-head tomorrow, Jones stressed the importance of claiming maximum points at Dudley.

“I think the loss was a wake-up call for us,” Jones said.

“We have got to be more clinical in front of goal, more resolute in defence and we have got to be switched on at all times.

“We have got a difficult away game now and we have got to go there and get a result, especially as the two teams that have got games in hand on us are playing each other. It is absolutely vital that we take three points.”

Dene Whittal-Williams and Phil Harris will return while goalkeeper Josh King is poised to replace the suspended Charlie Weaver.

Dudley are second from bottom, but ended a four-match losing run with a 1-0 win at Pegasus Juniors.

“I expect it to be a game where Dudley will defend for their lives and we have got to break them down,” Jones added.

“That’s become the norm for us so that’s something we have got to overcome.”