Malvern Town 2, Alvechurch 3

MALVERN Town and Alvechurch contested a thrilling Midland Alliance encounter at the Langland Stadium.

Chris Palmer’s side thought they had taken the lead after only four minutes but Andrew Crosskey’s effort was disallowed for a foul on keeper David Rimmer.

Alvechurch took the lead in the 20th minute. Captain Brendan Kelly took a free-kick 25 yards out on the right and Jamie McWilliams deflected the ball into the net.

Two minutes later, as Alvechurch imposed their physical power on the match, Junior Brown struck the post with the Malvern defence adjusting to new keeper Stuart Ford, in for England blind team international Lewis Skyers.

Mike Rhodes had Malvern’s best chance of the first-half but his first touch was too strong and Ian Kimberley, who had replaced Rimmer in the Alvechurch goal, was able to come out and smother.

Malvern were then hit by two moments of misfortune.

Five minutes before half-time, Ashley Pardoe needed to be stretchered off following a challenge from Naveed Arshad.

During the half-time break, it was also decided that the groin strain hindering Mason Mansfield was getting worse and he needed to be replaced for the second period.

While Malvern were getting used to the two changes, Alvechurch grabbed their second goal after the ball was played into the area and Craig Greggs tapped in from 15 yards.

Malvern gradually settled down and Paul Ireland headed Bryan Craven’s corner just wide of the post on the hour.

With the weather conditions worsening, the pitch became heavier and both sides began to get tired, leading to an exciting final 15 minutes.

Rhodes threaded a neat ball through to Craven in the 78th minute and, one-on-one with the keeper, he kept his cool to slot the ball home.

Four minutes later, Arshad fired home the visitors’ third. However, within a minute, the ball had been played upfield and an unmarked Craig Selby reduced his side’s deficit.

Malvern piled on the pressure looking for the equaliser but were unable to create a clear opening.

Brown also broke away and hit the post for Alvechurch in the closing stages.