Jones looks to trio’s return to boost side (From Malvern Gazette)

Jones looks to trio’s return to boost side

10:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in Local

MALVERN Town boss Les Jones hopes the return of three key players can help bring about a change of fortune for his team.

Defensive duo Dale Humphries and Jamie Thomas and striker Ed Lyons are all due to be back in the first-team fold in the foreseeable future following lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Humphries has been out with a knee injury but played in the 2-1 West Midlands League Premier Division defeat at Pegasus Juniors on January 28 and is expected to be involved at Wulfrunians tomorrow (3pm).

Thomas and Lyons have been struggling with ankle and knee problems respectively but both turned out for the reserves in recent weeks and should be ready following one more game for the second string.

With Malvern looking to end a run of four successive defeats and replicate the form that saw them go seven games without defeat at the end of 2011, Jones knows the importance of having the trio fit.

Their presence is even more vital given the 13th-placed Langland Stadium outfit are confident of climbing the table between now and May.

“It’s good to have them back because we have a good run to the end of the season and we are looking forward to it. It’s like signing new players,” Jones said.

“This is the same squad who went seven games unbeaten before Christmas so we have got to keep working hard.

“We are getting the players back so we are just waiting for a change of fortune.”

With last Saturday’s home match against Dudley Sports falling foul of the weather, Malvern are desperate to beat the elements in Wolverhampton tomorrow.

Malvern, who lost the reverse fixture 4-2 in October, want to inflict the first defeat on the Castlecroft Stadium side since they lost 5-1 at Wolverhampton Casuals on November 22.

“It was frustrating because we really wanted to get out there and have a crack at it,” Jones added.

“Wulfrunians are one of the top sides so it will be a tough game.

They are third in the league but we are going there to give it our best shot and will be positive.”