MALVERN Town Reserves travelled to North Birmingham for this opening game of their West Midland division one season and got off to a great start scoring after just six minutes.

BILSTON TOWN 2, MALVERN TOWN RES 1

Simon Baker started the move, finding Lee Goodman who crossed the ball with pace and when home keeper Dave Chapman fumbled the ball, Ollie Endacott reacted first and poked it home.

Rob Cullen had two chances to increase Town's lead when he was put into space firstly by Joe Leighton and then by a Mike Roberts and Simon Baker move, but after his early mistake the home keeper was in top form and saved well.

In the 41st minute, Town skipper Andy Fletcher made a clumsy tackle and conceded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box, picking up a yellow card. The ball was crossed to Noel Smith on the far post and he scored the equaliser.

With half-time looming Paul Edwards got caught in possession on the half-way line and Graham Shaw raced away unopposed, firing past Julian Robinson.

In the 73rd minute, Good-man found Cullen in space and having outpaced the home defence was denied by another excellent save.

Mike Cole, who having made a goal-line tackle, frustrated Graham Shaw so much that Cole barged him over, then appeared to stamp on him and was shown the red card.

Despite this defeat, Town reserves managers Paul Pallett and Les Jones were pleased with Malvern's performance and look forward to the visit of Bridgnorth Town reserves (3.00) tomorrow (Saturday).