IT proved to be another testing afternoon for Malvern Town, as their 3-1 home defeat to Frome Town saw them drop into the relegation zone in the Southern League Division One South. 

The visitors led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Samuel Meakes and Samuel Teale.

Meakes added a third on the hour before Alex Bell scored a late consolation in stoppage time to provide the 308 in attendance with something to cheer.

After the game, co-manager Lee Hooper admitted mistakes from his side proved costly in what was otherwise an even game.

"The manner of the defeat is frustrating because we made three mistakes that led to three goals," said Hooper

"Apart from that, I did not think there was much in the game. Neither keep had to do much so it is a tough one because we've beaten ourselves almost.

"I thought for the first 20 minutes we were in the game, we kept our shape well and they didn't cause us any problems, the game plan was working.

"But then, from our part, we give the ball away and they attack through us too easily and slot it home and then it makes things difficult for us as we have an uphill battle. 

"From there, they capitalise on our mistakes basically and that was the difference in the two teams.

"Frome are up there in the playoff sports so you don't get away with giving them too many opportunities like we did." 

Malvern will have to pick themselves up and face another tough encounter at the weekend when second-placed Bemerton Heath Harlequins come to the HDAnywhere Community Stadium (3pm kick-off).