MALVERN Town started their education in The Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance with a trip to Boldmere St Michaels on Saturday and came away with a creditable 1-1 draw.

BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS 1, MALVERN TOWN 1

Malvern were a goal down after only three minutes when a cross came in from the right and was flicked over keeper Adam Moss by Aaron Roberts.

The hot, humid conditions did not help and it took time for the players to settle but in the 22nd minute Malvern drew level when Duncan Preedy crossed the ball in from the right and Darren Bullock came charging in and powerfully headed home.

Four minutes later a goal-line clearance from Nick Clayton prevented Boldmere from regaining the lead, but Malvern were getting more control of the ball and twice Duncan Preedy crossed the ball into the area but no-one was able to get on the end of them.

Three minutes before the break Darren Bullock found Phil Preedy with a pin point pass and keeper Clarke did well to keep out his effort.

Ten minutes into the second period the lively Aaron Roberts jinked his way passed Chris Jones into the box but was brought down and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Steven Smith stepped up to take the kick but drove the ball wide of the right hand side of Moss's goal as Town breathed a sigh of relief.

Four minutes later Phil Preedy was sent on his way by Des Cox, only to see his shot saved by the keeper's legs.

It was end to end football with both sides getting tired in the heat.

Lee Tomkins picked up the ball on the right wing and his shot cum cross went just wide of the post.

In the 85th minute Boldmere again got the ball into the Malvern net but the referee spotted that substitute Timothy Gould had punched the ball and disallowed it.

Malvern went straight up the other end and Scott Morris saw his shot shave the post and in injury time Des Cox's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper's legs.

Town manager Neil Hunt said that he was pleased with the way his team had performed considering they were without the influential Nathan Jukes and last season's leading goalscorer Dean Roberts.

Hunt said: "Although Boldmere St Michaels had more possession Malvern had the better chances with Des Cox, Scott Morris, Phil Preedy and Lee Tomkins all going close. Darren Bullock was awesome for 25 minutes and Craig Heaney was dominant at the back."