MALVERN Town felt it was two points lost as they fought back from conceding an early goal to draw 2-2 with Shifnal Town in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Lee Hooper shot straight at keeper Mark Bissell and Rob Cullen fired across the face of goal during a bright Malvern start.

Olly Endacott and Dave Reynolds proved to be a handful for the defence with the former denied by the keeper and then the offside flag.

But Shifnal’s Chris Hendry fired a great chance over from close range and the visitors also had a Rhys Adams effort ruled out for offside.

However, they scored 10 minutes before half-time when Malvern keeper Dean Drinkwater, deputising for the suspended Ian Hill, scuffed a free-kick to Hendry 40 yards out and he dribbled past Andy Fletcher before smashing home.

Malvern started the second period well and pushed Hooper up front alongside Endacott and Reynolds.

Shifnal continued to play a slow, controlling passing game and Hendry’s shot was blocked by Joe Endacott for a corner which Drinkwater dealt with well.

Cullen shaped for a 30-yard volley soon after but it flew just past the post.

However, Reynolds dragged them level on 57 minutes with a spot-kick after Olly Endacott was brought down as he was about to shoot following a dazzling run by substitute John Pykett.

Olly Endacott was denied Malvern’s second goal by a good save, while Joe Endacott bravely threw himself in front of Hendry’s drive at the other end.

The hosts went ahead on 75 minutes when, after good work by Olly Endacott, the resulting Reynolds corner was converted from six yards by Hooper.

But Shifnal levelled two minutes later when a free-kick was cleared by Joe Endacott but then the ball was lost by Paul Edwards with Adams stroking it into the net.

Malvern survived a late scare when Drinkwater saved well from the unmarked Hendry.