MALVERN Town Reserves progressed to the final of the Evesham Hospital Cup following this thrilling extra-time success at Midland Combination Division One high-flyers Littleton.

LITTLETON 3, MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 4 (aet)

It was Town who went ahead in the 27th minute following a typically opportunistic strike from Rob Perrins.

Town were largely in control during the first period, but the home side equalised immediately after the break, only for John Fryer to restore Malvern's lead in the 62nd minute.

Littleton pressed strongly in the closing stages and, agonisingly for Town, sent the tie into extra time when they equalised following a last minute goalmouth scramble.

Just two minutes into the extra period, Malvern regained the lead yet again, when the home goalkeeper cleared the ball straight into the path of the oncoming Barry Hughes and the ball rebounded off him into an empty net.

But for the third time Town failed to hold onto their advantage when Littleton equalised in the 103rd minute.

However, James Pickering put Malvern back in front with a well taken goal after 107 minutes.

In the games closing moments, Littleton put Town under a good degree of pressure, but Town defended well to earn a place in the final where they will meet their Feckenham counterparts.

The Reserves return to Division One (South) action tomorrow (Saturday) when Cradley Town Reserves are the visitors to the Langland Stadium (2.45pm).