MALVERN Athletic played their first home match of the season in the Midland Combination Division Two and their first game back at Victoria Park in nearly a year since the old changing rooms were condemned.

MALVERN ATHLETIC 2, RUGBY AFC 3

Unfortunately injuries and players not available crippled the side and manager Phil Llewellyn had to name himself as one of the only two substitutes available. Making their first outings of the season were Sam Schooling, Steve Winfield and former player Julian Langfield.

The match itself against a young Rugby AFC side started at a fast pace with the visitors having the earlier command of the game kicking up the slope and Athletic looking a little lethargic in midfield. The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute when Malvern's defence failed to clear and Davie White volleyed one from just inside the box giving keeper Danny May little chance.

Athletic were then dealt a blow in the 17th minute when the injured Sam Schooling had to be replaced by manager Phil Llewellyn in defence. Rugby increased their lead in the 21st minute when defensive indecision yet again allowed Dave Scarr to slide the ball wide of the advancing keeper.

Malvern Athletic had very few chances in the first period and the front attacking two of Rob Perrins and Lee Watts appeared isolated and subdued.

The second half saw a much improved start to the home side's approach and they should have reduced the arrears in the 59th minute when Russell blazed over the bar from a corner.

Llewellyn then had to be substituted when he pulled a calf muscle and Hayden Jordan came on the left side of midfield and Chris Allen moved into attack with Lee Watts moving from his attacking role back into defence.

Jordan had another good chance for his team to reduce the deficit but his shot flew high over the bar. However in the 68th minute, he was on the score sheet when from a very similar position just inside the box he let fly with a right footed shot that flew into the far corner of the net taking a slight deflection on the way.

Athletic then pushed hard for the equaliser and were justly rewarded in the 75th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Rob Perrins. After some delay for treatment to an injured Rugby player, Rob Perrins slotted the ball home.

Perrins then had a golden opportunity to give the home side the lead when he broke free from the half way line and with only the keeper to beat he saw his shot well blocked.

Then, with time running out Athletic were robbed of the ball in midfield and the resulting shot from Ian Melvin somehow found its way through keeper Day's hands and nestled in the back of the net to give the visitors the three points and leave Malvern Athletic without a league win so far this season.

Athletic: Daniel Day, Craig Penney, Nigel Russell, Richard Schooling (Phil Llewellyn 17, Hayden Jordan 65), Jason Hall, Andrew Cornes, Julian Langfield, Steve Winfield, Chris Allen, Rob Perrins, Lee Watts.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Athletic have their toughest match so far this season when they travel to take on league leaders Leamington. Athletic hope to have Richard and Simon Brookes back into the squad and Sean Mann returns from holiday. Sam Schooling is very doubtful with a hamstring strain and Neil Boocock is still doubtful having missed the last two matches due to illness.

Squad: Day, Starkey, Penney, Russell, Hall, Richard Brookes, Cornes, Langfield, Allen, Perrins, Simon Brookes, Jordan, Winfield, Llewellyn, Mann.