MALVERN Vale Firsts were knocked out of the Worcestershire FA Saturday Minor Cup semi-finals 4-1 on penalties at higher-ranked Bredon following a 1-1 draw.

Andre Rodrigues and Nick Jones failed to convert their spot-kicks with Matt Strangwood the only Vale player to score from the spot as Bredon slotted home all four penalties to reach the final.

The Cheltenham League Division Three leaders produced a spirited display to fight back against a side from three divisions above.

Vale started brightly but Bredon's attacking players showed plenty of pace for defensive duo Jamie Jones and Jordan Richards to deal with.

Bredon enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to create many clear-cut chances in the first period.

However, a defensive lapse on 14 minutes saw Vale lose possession cheaply and Bredon capitalised with a cross converted past keeper Marcin Celmer.

Bredon put Vale under more pressure but Celmer held firm when required as did Richards and Jones.

Vale were dealt a blow just before the interval when right-back Ethan Lambert limped off.

But they started to get a hold of the game in the second period and Strangwood's introduction up front proved the answer.

Minutes after coming on he was played through and despite pressure from Bredon’s defence fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to level with around 20 minutes left.

Vale soaked up late threats when Celmer denied Bredon before home top scorer Scott Jordan wasted several chances.

There was one last moment of panic when the ball seemingly stopped on the goal line but Vale got the ball clear and took Bredon to penalties only to exit the competition.

Vale now turn their attention to Saturday’s league game at fourth-placed Andoversford Reserves.

Welland Reserves won 4-1 at Dowty Dynamos Reserves in Division Three thanks to Simon Haywood (2), Jamie Harding and Craig Tommey.

Malvern Cave's Division Four visit to Cheltenham Saracens Reserves was abandoned after three red cards inside just eight minutes.

There were two for Cave to James Crane and Brad Hughes which the club say they intend to appeal.

Ashley Dallow's hat-trick helped Malvern Vale Reserves to a 5-0 win at Charlton Rovers Thirds with Kieran Kinsella and Frederick Harrison also on target.