MALVERN Town under-21s received a ringing endorsement from first-team boss Les Jones despite a 1-0 defeat to holders Redditch Borough in the Evesham Hospital Junior Cup.

Borough play just one level below Malvern’s senior side but the Langland Avenue rookies battled well and were denied what Jones felt should have been a goal at 0-0.

Redditch went on to progress thanks to Khurum Iqbal’s strike but the hosts came in for plenty of praise.

“We had a goal that was not given, it seemed to find its way into the net before the keeper scooped it out,” said Jones.

“I think we would have gone on to win had the referee and his assistant had been up with play.

“Four of five players went away celebrating but the referee waved play on. It was frustrating for them and the rest of us but from a footballing point of view, the young lads did very well.

“Kyle Belmonte, who joined from Redditch (United) to get some football, did particularly well.

"He has been involved with the first team too, as have some of the other lads, and the performance from everyone was very encouraging.

“Even though the result was not what we wanted, I was pleased. It was a good experience.”