STRATFORD TOWN 1, MALVERN TOWN 0

MALVERN Town visited league leaders Stratford Town on Monday for a Banks's premier League game and it turned out to be a cracker of a game with the home side winning 1-0 thanks to a 23rd minute penalty by Russ Dematteo when Mick Lowe was adjudged to have handled in the box.

Although Malvern to the field with only six first team regulars, due to work commitments and unavailability, they certainly gave as good as they got and with a little bit of steadiness in front of goal could have caused an upset with Rob Perrins and Paul Ashby fluffing good chances.

This was an end-to-end game with both sides playing quality football but surprisingly chances were few and far between as both defences were on top form, especially Malvern's Micky Lowe in the heart of the defence was outstanding and marshalled the back four superbly well.

The defences were so much on top that neither keeper had a worthy shot to save and the only difference was that Stratford had the one break which they accepted with open arms.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Town are at home to Smethwick Rangers, kick-off 3pm, and then on Tuesday meet Stourport Swifts in the WFA Senior Urn final at St George's Lane, kick-off 7.30pm.