MALVERN Town were expecting to complete the signing of striker Paul Ashby, in time for tomorrow's (Saturday) game at home to Causeway United.

Ashby, aged 22, who originally joined Town from Pershore at the halfway stage last season went on to bag 13 goals, but felt that there was too much competition for the striking positions at Malvern this season.

Following a brief spell at Bromsgrove Rovers, Ashby has recently been playing for County Sports.

Town Assistant manager Richard Anson said: "We know that Paul is capable of scoring goals at this level and with Chris Thomas now suspended for 35 days, we might lack a little bit of pace going forward and Paul certainly gives us this option."

However, there was further good news for Town this week, when the Football Association looked to have agreed, in principle, to allow Andy Shepherd to resume playing, pending their consideration of the players further appeal against his 84 day ban.

Shepherd, has so far served just 11 days of the suspension, and might well be cleared in time to play for Town on Saturday, as long as a request to be released from the suspension was received in Soho before the weekend.

But with Simon Judge out for the remainder of the term due to a serious re occurrence of his hamstring injury, the probable signing of Ashby and Shepherd's temporary reprieve, is a major boost for Town as they go into a series of games that could prove make or break as far as their final league position is concerned.

Last weeks results went well for fifth placed Malvern and although they still have a little bit to do to catch second placed Warley Rangers, the fact that they have the big spending Smethwick based outfit to play twice, means that Town's final league position is still very much in their hands.

Malvern Town play host to Causeway tomorrow (Saturday) (3pm), in a game that is vital to both sides ambitions of finishing in a leading Banks Brewery League Premier Division place.

Malvern Town from: Sanders, Higgins, Jones, Walker, Clayton, Cotterill, Sharma, Whittal -

Williams, Brooks, Ward, Phillpotts, Slade, Upton, Ashby, Davies, Damore and Shepherd.

Town Reserves were again hit for five by an in form Ledbury side in the Banks Brewery League Division 1 (S) on Saturday.

Ironically Town, were the better side during a goaless first half, but fell away during a second period which saw John Rooney and Paul Coles sent off for Town and Ledbury bang in four goals in quick succession.

Town Reserves recovered slightly on Tuesday when they drew 1-1 at home to Leominster Town. Dean Ballard gave Malvern a first half lead, only for Town to concede a late equaliser.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Reserves visit title challengers Brintons (3pm).