DUE to holidays and players not available West Malvern struggled to get a side for this Martley Cup semi-final on Saturday.

WEST MALVERN 1, DROITWICH SPA 3

Although Droitwich Spa, from the Premier Division, ran out eventual winners the West gave a good account of themselves.

The game opened brightly and within five minutes Droitwich Spa were in front. A cross from the right was only partially cleared and Droitwich Spa pounced to drive the ball home.

The West rallied and within five minutes they were level. Good movement resulted in Dougie Hawes beating two men on the edge of the box to crash the ball home.

Not deterred, Droitwich pushed men forward and on 30 minutes regained the lead once again from their centre forward.

The second half opened brightly for the West and they were unlucky when a through ball found Andy Hurrell who beat the full back to net only to have the effort ruled out for offside.

This knocked some of the stuffing out of the West and after 70 minutes Droitwich wrapped the game up when, from a free kick on the edge of the box, the centre forward completed his hat-trick.

WEST MALVERN 2, KOINONIA 2

ON Tuesday night West Malvern played Koinonia in the league and were a goal down within five minutes.

Once again there was a shortage of players and they played the first 45 minutes with ten men but they responded strongly and Lewis Wray headed home to equalise.

Dougie Hawes then scored to put them 2-1 in front but Koinonia came back and levelled the scores.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the West are at home to New Inn, Pershore. Players meet 2pm. West Malvern are sponsored by Amey and thank Anne and Reg at the Cross Keys for their hospitality.