WEST MALVERN 2,

Bransford ROVERS 3

WEST Malvern forced to make changes due to injuries and players unavailable put a brave fight on Saturday before losing 3-2 in this Worcester League Division One fixture.

They have only themselves to blame because of the squandered chances and poor defending.

Bransford opened the scoring inside six minutes with a cross that was deflected past the keeper by the West's full back Greg Innes.

The West came back strongly and after two successive corners they drew level with a rare headed goal from Ken McEwan. They increased the pressure and after good build up work including Ken McEwan and David Knapper they went in front when Chris Golding beat three men to score with a clean shot into the corner of the net.

The West then lost Andy Baxter with a gashed head after colliding with his own player, he had to have three stitches in the wound. West introduced Scott Neville for his first game who had an exceptionally good debut.

The West hung on to the lead until the 60th minute when a mix up between Andy Pugh and Gary Portman allowed Bransford to draw level.

The West should have been back in front within five minutes but Ian Hill missed with a header from two yards. The same player then missed again inside five minutes from again close range.

Bransford applied the pressure and in the 80th minute, due to some poor marking, they went ahead. Although the West still had a few chances they failed to make the most of them.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the West, sponsored by Amey, are away to Fernhill Heath Spurs, players meet Eurohaus at 2pm.