Malvern endure friendly shocker

6:30pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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MALVERN Town manager Joe Rawle believes his side’s friendly defeat against Smiths Athletic served as an ‘eye-opener’ for his team.

Town were beaten 4-1 by the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League outfit as they continued their preparations for the British Gas Business Division One Midlands campaign.

The match followed a 0-0 draw against Gloucester and a 1-0 victory over Ledbury.

Rawle said: “It was a good eye-opener because just when we were looking to be taking shape, it showed that perhaps one or two players weren’t good enough.

“It served a purpose because it highlighted a few weak points. We had done reasonably well up until then. Apart from the Evesham game, we hadn’t conceded a goal although we haven’t been scoring many.”

Malvern hope to arrange a friendly against Herefordshire side Leominster for Saturday.

Meanwhile, Stourport Swifts complete their friendlies with a trip to Gedling Town on Saturday (3pm).