18/10/02 - Stalemate for Town

MALVERN TOWN 0, ETTINGSHALL HT 0

In a game which struggled to flow throughout, Town might still have picked up all three points, had they converted the few chances they created.

The best of these came after 30 minutes, when Dean Roberts set up Lee Hooper, but despite being just 12 yards out and with the goal at his mercy, the young striker fired his shot over the bar.

In the second half, Ricky Halion, thought he had given Town the lead after 65 minutes, but his free kick came back off the inside of the post.

Pete Roberts then volleyed over for Town and Lee Goodman saw his drive deflected narrowly over the crossbar.

But in the game's closing moments Ettingshall looked as though they might steal the three points, and twice Town goalkeeper Dave Alden had to be alert to deny the dangerous Dave Smith.

But overall neither side could complain about the result, which at least extended Town's run to just one defeat in their last ten games.

However, Town coach Neil Hunt was less than convinced. He said: "We have actually played some decent stuff at times this season, but this wasn't one of those occasions, and it is especially disappointing after a great performance at Bromyard on Tuesday and a good win against Tividale the previous Saturday.

"We have really got to knuckle down against the supposed lesser sides and impose ourselves far more than we sometimes do."

- The Town Reserves did not have a game last Saturday, but on the previous Thursday, the U18s turned in an excellent performance, beating Stourbridge 4-2 at the Langland Stadium, to take their place in the Second Round of the Midland Youth League Cup.

The Town youngsters were due to play Cinderford at the Langland Stadium last night (Thursday), in a League fixture, whilst on Saturday, the Reserves visit Ledbury Town Reserves, in an Express and Star West Midlands Division One (South) fixture (2.45pm).