MALVERN Town travelled to Chasetown, the champions of the Midland Football Alliance last season, on Tuesday in their first away game in the Southern League division one midlands and returned home with all three points and a memorable victory.

CHASETOWN 0, MALVERN TOWN 1

Malvern made one change from Saturday, bringing in Tom Coley in place of Dan Finnegan. The game was very entertaining with both sides pressing although not creating many chances.

After 30 minutes Malvern lost their captain when Wesley Joyce left the field with damaged ribs and was replaced by Dave Cannon.

This did not deter Malvern and following good play between Neil Gardiner and Rik Halion, Halion sprinted down the right side and put in a brilliant cross to the far post where Dean Roberts headed home from close range to open the scoring.

Malvern continued to play good football and were passing the ball around well. Neil Gardiner shot just wide off the post before the break.

The second-half saw Chasetown determined to get the equaliser. But although they had plenty of possession they did not create many chances and Malvern were comfortable in clearing any danger.

Chasetown did net the ball on one occasion but the assistant referee was clearly signalling for offside.

Malvern tried to break whenever possible with Dean Roberts and Lee Tomkins running at the defence and Roberts went close with a dipping shot.

This was a tremendous team effort with everyone giving everything they have and the victory was well deserved.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town travel to Spalding United. The coach leaves Langland Stadium at 9.45am and picks up at the Three Pears at 10.30am.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Malvern Town entertain Evesham United at Langland Stadium, kick-off 3pm.

Manager Paul Molloy will be without defenders Tom Sterny (knee) and Andy Cartwright (hamstring) for the visit to Spalding. Centre-half and captain Wesley Joyce is also a doubt after sustaining a rib injury at Chasetown.

On the plus side, striker Tom Hobbs returns to the squad after a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.