IN what was a tremendous advert for football at this level, Malvern Town and Tividale shared six goals in a thrilling West Midlands League Premier Division encounter on Saturday.

TIVIDALE 3, MALVERN TOWN 3

After weathering a spell of early pressure, it was Town who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, when the returning Dean Roberts, lobbed a superb pass over a static home defence, which allowed Des Cox to compose himself, before firing home.

Town's lead did not last long, as a deep corner was only half cleared, which allowed Andy Price to fire home a Tividale equaliser in the 33rd minute.

Town though were not to be denied, and in the 44th minute Cox and Scott Morris combined well to allow Morris to finish superbly and give his side a half time lead.

Unfortunately for Town, just five minutes into the second period, a superb cross from the right hand side, was met excellently by Luke Reynolds, whose powerful header gave Dave Alden in the visitors goal no chance.

A lack of concentration in the 72nd minute allowed Dean Roberts to spring the off side trap and finished superbly to restore his side the advantage.

Despite Robert's excellent strike, Tividale were not done for, and Wayne Aston's 77th minute looping header once again secured a third equaliser for his side

Town's Robert's might have had the final word, but his diving header from a Rik Halion cross was brilliantly tipped on to the crossbar by the home goalkeeper to earn his side a point.

Town manager Neil Hunt said: "Whilst we might have settled for a point beforehand, we were a little disappointed to have relinquished the lead on three occasions.

"But overall this was perhaps the best performance we have put in over 90 minutes this season.

"I know that there have been some emphatic victories along the way, but Tividale are a very difficult side to play against and this was a point gained, rather than lost," he said.

Town are still looking to strengthen their squad and a notice of approach has been put in for a player at a Midlands Alliance side.

Although Town are yet again without a mid week fixture, they might organise a friendly, at home, on Wednesday night, to enable them to run the rule over one or two potential signings.

Reserves

A youthful Town Reserves side moved into the Second Round of the WFA Saturday Minor Cup, following a 2-1 success at Henwick Academicals last Saturday.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Town visit Cradley Town Reserves, in the Express and Star League, West Midlands League, Division One (S). Kick off is at 2.45pm.

Under 18s

Following their mid week FA Youth Cup heroics, the Town youngsters are back in home action again next Tuesday, when they play host to Alvechurch, in the first round of the WFA County Youth Cup (7.30pm).