MALVERN TOWN 2, LEIGHTON TOWN 4 MALVERN started the game brightly and were two goals to the good after 31 minutes.

In the 15th minute, the ball was played to Dean Spiers who took on a couple of players and then deftly chipped the keeper for the opening score.

Four minutes later, a free-kick from Joel Skyers picked out Bryan Craven, who headed over the bar. Then, good work down the left saw the ball crossed to Spiers who shot wide.

In the 31st minute, Malvern's hard work was rewarded when a free-kick, which was played into the area, was cleared to the edge of the box where Andy Crowther volleyed the ball home.

The lead only lasted two minutes, though, as Malvern lost possession in their area and the ball was played up to Bruce Wilson who beat keeper Craig Humphries and slotted the ball into the net.

Still Malvern continue to press and, following another good move, Chris Allen shot just wide.

Shortly after the break, the ball was played up the right wing to Crowther and his shot grazed the bar with keeper Steven Root stranded.

Half-way through the second period the weather changed completely and with it Malvern's fortunes. The wind and rain swirled around the pitch making it very difficult to see and play.

Leighton equalised in the 70th minute when Andrew Fagan broke through and headed the ball home.

This gave Leighton the impetus to attack and a free-kick into the box was flicked goalwards by Enzo Silvestri but Humphries saved.

Three minutes later, Silvestri worked Humphries from a corner, but the keeper's parry fell to Ben Gallant who gave his side the lead for the first time in the game.

Silvestri finally got his name onto the scoresheet with a late tap-in.

Skyers and Craven both made good chances but Malvern's hopes of a home win were blown away in the wind and lack of concentration in the final 15 minutes.