UNDEFEATED league leaders Parkfield Leisure were the visitors to Victoria Park on Saturday and they remained undefeated after a narrow 2-1 victory which was the same score-line as six weeks ago at Parkfield.

MALVERN RANGERS 1, PARKFIELD LEISURE 2

In the absence of Mark Tipton and Tim Clarke, Rangers were forced into making a couple of defensive changes with midfield players Mark Taylor and Martin Philpotts being asked to fill the gaps and Paul Edwards coming into midfield.

Parkfield opened the scoring after only nine minutes when, from a left-sided corner taken by Darren Evans, Andy Cotton rose well to head home.

The visitors increased their advantage after 15 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick on the right. The ball was crossed to the far post, where tall central defender Matty Curley headed back into the six-yard box for Andy Cotton to again add the finishing touch.

In what was a disappointing first-half for Rangers, their best opportunities were a Rob Cullen shot, which went wide of the post, and a strong run by Sam Black. This resulted in him being challenged strongly in the penalty area but Rangers' appeal for a penalty was not heeded.

It could have been worse for Rangers at the break as Parkfield had the ball in the back of the net again but, fortunately, the assistant referee was alert to spot an infringement.

Rangers made a slight change to their formation at half-time and within three minutes of the resumption they were back in the game.

Martin Philpotts floated a free-kick into the box, Paul Edwards played the ball into the path of Simon Rea and he reduced the arrears from close range.

After only nine minutes play Martin Philpotts crossed an excellent ball into the box, Rob Cullen superbly controlled the ball first time but then shot wide of the post.

On 15 minutes Sam Black played the ball to Simon Rea but he shot over the crossbar when well-placed.

After 31 minutes a long ball out of defence to Andy Cotton saw him shoot wide before, with a few minutes remaining, the same player lobbed a goal-bound effort against the crossbar.

Before the end, Neil Bond shot marginally wide but the visitors held on for victory.

Man-of-the-match was Neil Bond.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, travel to play Brereton in a West Midlands division two fixture, kick off 2.45pm. Players to meet Brooklyn Motors at 12.15pm or the Oak Apple at 12.30pm.