CHAIRMAN Chris Pinder is urging Malvern Town’s players to believe in themselves as they look to get their campaign back on track.

Third-placed Malvern host Shifnal Town in the West Midlands League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm) after two defeats in the last week.

Malvern fell 1-0 at Bromsgrove Sporting in the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn semi-finals on Tuesday after slipping to a 3-2 league reverse at Wolverhampton Casuals last weekend.

But Pinder believes Les Jones’ side should not be too dispirited with their form, particularly with injuries to key players such as Reece King and Paul Edwards.

“We have been on the receiving end of some bad injuries with Reece breaking his leg and Paul breaking his arm and that had an effect on our midfield,” said Pinder.

“We have also had some back luck with harsh red-card decisions and that has made life difficult for Les and the squad.

“These things happen to every team and while it has thrown up some selection difficulties we have remained competitive and Bromsgrove felt they had been in a game on Tuesday.”

An 83rd-minute goal from Bromsgrove ended Malvern’s hopes of reaching the Urn final in a competitive clash.

“Bromsgrove were a strong side and are doing well in their respective division,” reflected Pinder.

“We won the Senior Urn two seasons ago and it’s a competition we value.

“Bromsgrove was an intimidating place to go to with a vocal crowd. It was a competitive performance from the lads and the result could have gone either way.”

Town turn their attention to tackling ninth-placed Shifnal, who have picked up nine league wins this term.

Malvern are 13 points behind runaway leaders Haughmond and seven better off than Shifnal.

Pinder said: “Shifnal are one of the better teams in the league and we need to get back to what we were doing and try to put another run together.

“We definitely have the capability to beat the best sides in this league and I think the players just need a reminder of how good they can be.

“We’re back at home and it’s definitely an opportunity for the lads to get back to winning ways in front of our own supporters.”

Pinder added: “Our crowds are marginally better than last season.

“We average over 100 fans at home and have a core group of supporters who make a huge difference to the players on the pitch.”