MALVERN Town visited runaway Midland Alliance leaders Rushall Olympic on Saturday but after dictating the game for long periods were unable to finish and left empty-handed.

RUSHALL OLYMPIC 3, MALVERN TOWN 0

This was a much better performance from the Town than last week but, although creating four or five good chances, they failed to find the net.

Malvern opened strongly with attacks down both flanks. On seven minutes Duncan Preedy sent a high cross into the Rushall box but keeper Ryan Price gathered superbly under pressure from Simon Judge. Seven minutes later the visitors had a great chance to go in front when a low cross into the box by Phil Preedy picked out Des Cox, but he screwed his effort wide.

Rushall looked dangerous on the counter attack and they won their first corner on 20 minutes but Tim Jackson's kick was well-taken by Paul Wyatt in the Town goal.

Most of the play at this point was restricted to the middle of the park with both sides playing attractive football under difficult conditions.

On 33 minutes however, totally against the run of play, a long ball out of defence by Tim Jackson caught a squeezed Town back four napping and Joe O'Connor raced through to beat the advancing Wyatt with ease.

Malvern dictated the remainder of the half without creating a clear-cut opportunity.

The second period started the same at the first ended with Malvern taking the game to Rushall. On 58 minutes a tremendous shot by Ian Stevenson from 20 yards out was somehow sliced off the line for a corner by Willis Dunn.

Phil Preedy's corner picked out Marc Burrows at the back post but he headed wide of a gaping goal.

After this let-off Rushall came more into the game and on 63 minutes Wyatt was called upon to make a great double save from O'Connor and then Simon Trueman.

Malvern had a great chance again on 65 minutes when a superb ball from Stevenson picked out Phil Preedy, but with only Price to beat he shot straight at the keeper's feet and the chance was lost.

Rushall increased their lead in the 82nd minute when O'Connor was left totally unmarked to rifle a shot through the legs of Paul Wyatt.

This left Malvern completely flattened and four minutes later substitute Nick Campbell raced through to make it three, giving Wyatt no chance.

This result flattered Rushall, but at the end of the day, they took their chances whereas Malvern worked hard for 90 minutes but failed to take advantage of theirs.

Tomorrow (Saturday) fourth-placed Malvern Town entertain mid-table Barwell in the Travel Factory Midland Alliance. Malvern defeated Barwell 2-0 away earlier in the season.

The match at Langland Stadium kicks-off at 3pm.