Malvern Town 1, Kirby Muxloe 3.

AFTER a two-week break from action, 10-man Malvern Town were beaten by the better team who belied their position in Aspire Midland Alliance.

It was an entertaining game with both sides playing attractive football and after 11 minutes Gary Moult shot just wide for the visitors after a wonderful flowing move between four players.

Malvern worked the ball to the area but their final ball tended to be poor and did not find their men and the shots were tame.

In the 32nd minute, a 27- yard free-kick taken by Lee Hooper was saved by keeper Adam Wilcox.

Kirby took the lead in the 37th minute when a beautiful ball was floated over the Malvern defence and Stuart Verrall was unmarked behind them to head home.

The hosts squared the match just before the break when the ball was played to Stuart Gates and he went on a run and cut into the box.

As he tried to go past the defender, Gates was brought down and a penalty was awarded, which Bryan Craven converted in the 44th minute.

Verrall regained the lead for Kirby in the 48th minute when, from a corner played to the back post, he was again unmarked and headed home.

Following a couple of crunching tackles Malvern were forced to replace central defender Paul Ireland in the 67th minute.

Within a minute Kirby were 3-1 ahead when Danny Gibbons headed home a corner with Malvern still sorting out their defence.

Malvern tried to get back into the game but could not make worthwhile chances. With Craven getting more and more frustrated at the pressure on him by the Kirby defence in injury-time, he snapped and kicked out at one of the defenders and was shown a red card.

Malvern are seeking a new manager for the reserve team.

Anyone wishing to apply should send their CV to the club for the attention of the committee, or call and leave details on the club house on (01684) 574068.