A GOAL either side of half-time sent Malvern crashing to another defeat in the British Gas Business Division One Midlands fixture.

The first 42 minutes were hard-fought by both teams with neither creating a real chance although Rushall did take two pot-shots which both went over the bar. But Malvern gave away a free-kick near to the by-line three minutes before half-time and Rushall sent over a cross into the box which Paul McMahon headed home.

In the 50th minute, the ball was played across the field missing the Malvern defence and Neil Barnfield ran in at the back post to slot the ball under keeper Lewis Skyers.

Ten minutes later, a misunderstanding between the defence and keeper allowed McMahon to sneak his second.

Malvern came back into the game and Warren Howes hit a good long-range shot which keeper Tony Breeden saved.

Then Damion Jarrett's free-kick from just outside the box hit the post and side-netting.

Their persistence appeared to have paid off in the 85th minute when Malvern were awarded a penalty after a Rushall defender handled the ball in the area.

Matt Aubrey stepped up and although his shot was aiming for the bottom left-hand corner, Breeden dived and caught the ball.

Malvern's heads dropped for the last few minutes and substitute Paul Szewczyk ran onto the ball to complete the scoring.