MALVERN 1, NEWENT 2

MALVERN entertained Newent in this friendly match and were unlucky to be on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline.

In a even game it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 15th minute when the ball was crossed from the wing and a well-taken shot from the edge of the D left the Malvern keeper stranded.

Malvern came back strongly and play went from end to end for the remainder of the half leading to Malvern's equaliser minutes before the break.

Good build up play from Malvern saw the ball played into the D where a heavy tackle on Leigh Robinson led to a penalty flick.

Ben Hartwright took full advantage to make it 1-1 at half-time.

The second period again saw the play fluctuating from one end to the other before a mix up in the home defence let in Newent for a second goal.

Malvern then increased the pressure looking for an equaliser but were denied towards the end of the half by the Newent keeper who cleared off the line three times.

First captain Kevin Somers had an effort blocked, then the keeper saved a shot at the foot of his post. In the last minute a short corner from Malvern was well struck by Robinson but somehow the keeper saved with his stick.

Malvern's man of the match was Ben Hartwright.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern are away at Hereford.

Malvern train at The Chase on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. Anyone interested can contact Leigh Robinson on 01684 593057.