MALVERN Town play host to bottom of the league Dudley Town in the Express and Star League Premier Division on Saturday (2.45).

Town will be hoping to repeat their 3-0 success at Dudley back in November and will feel confident of doing so. They picked up a well earned point at Tipton and were comfortable winners against Little Drayton Rangers over the holiday period.

Town have two absentees as both Chris Thomas and Adam Ward are suspended. Thomas is only serving a seven day ban, but Ward will be missing for thirty five days. Thomas, though, will shortly begin another seven day suspension for an accumulation of bookings. But midfielder Mark Brooks returns, having missed the Little Drayton game.

Otherwise Town have no injury worries and will select from: Alden, Higgins, Clayton, Davies, Cotterill, Walker, Brooks, Holmans, Stevenson, Upton, Hooper, Mogford, Damore, Taylor and Cannon.

Town have put in a seven day approach for a striker currently with a Doc Martens Club.

Boss Joey Rawle said: "We will not be able to speak to the player concerned until the beginning of next week, but he is certainly someone we would like to bring here as much for next season as this, but if there is an opportunity to sign him now, we should take it."

Town have no midweek fixture, but have now arranged their Worcester Senior Urn Second Round tie at home to Alvechurch for January 15 (7.45).

Town, who were beaten finalists in the Urn last year and winners the previous season, will be hoping to make the final for the third successive year. Town beat their Midland Combination Premier Division opponents in last season's semi-final.

Reserves

TOWN Reserves followed up an excellent victory over Brintons with a thoroughly deserved point at Mahal last Saturday.

Town were only denied by a last ditch goal after Steve Hancocks grabbed the lead for Town in the 78th minute.

These two results move Town Reserves off the bottom of the table and within striking distance of a mid table spot.

Their cause could be helped tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit bottom club Bustlehome in the Express and Star League Division One (South), kick-off is 2.45pm.