HEATH TOWN 2, MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 0

MALVERN Town Reserves travelled to South Staffordshire for Saturday's Sport Italia Division One fixture against an in-form side lying second in the table.

Malvern expected a tough fixture, especially as they lost three players to the first team and were also denied the services of Liam Paddock and Phil Harris, who were both on County youth duty.

Skipper Jamie Thomas had a superb all round game and he was partnered in the centre of the defence by Joel Morris, who playing out of position, could easily have been man of the match with a near faultless display.

Malvern held their hosts until the 36th minute when Michael Flavell crossed to Nathan Jones and the tricky number 11 worked his way to the edge of the box and scored with a low driving shot.

With five minutes played in the second-half Heath Town looked to have doubled their lead but their effort was ruled out for offside. The respite was short lived for Malvern as two minutes later Flavell beat the offside trap, rounded Mark Wright and side-footed home.

Malvern battled well and with 65 minutes played, a passing move involving four players saw new signing Nick Buntoft force an excellent save out of home keeper Andy Morris.

Malvern created a couple more chances before the final whistle, the best of which came following a Tom Crump corner which was cleared to Rob Cullen and he drove the ball goalward only to be denied by a defender on the line.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town Reserves are at Langland Stadium and welcome Birchills United, kick-off 3pm.