MALVERN TOWN 1, STAFFORD TOWN 2

DEPLETED Malvern Town put up a great fight against Banks's Brewery league Premier Division leaders Stafford Town before going down 2-1.

Without eight first choice players and forced to field several teenagers, Malvern were unlucky not to take at least a point.

They went behind after 10 minutes when a ball across the box was deflected into his own net by Les Hutchinson.

But they recovered well and on the half hour, Steve Walker's corner was only half-cleared, youth team striker Dean Spiers' shot was blocked by the Stafford keeper and Dean Whittal-Williams drilled home the rebound.

After the break Stafford began to take charge but Malvern defended superbly, with goalkeeper Ross Sanders in fine form.

However, 10 minutes from time a free kick was not cleared and the Stafford centre-forward shot home the winner following a goalmouth scramble.