MALVERN Town progressed to the first round proper of the FA Vase for the second time in five years following a 2-1 away victory at Heath Hayes in the second qualifying round on Saturday.

HEATH HAYES 1, MALVERN TOWN 2

Malvern's hero once again was striker Wes Joyce, who has scored six goals in the three games played since his signing less than two weeks ago.

Manager Neil Hunt said Malvern's front line was decimated with injuries to Dean Roberts and Scott Morris, Lee Hooper had joined Ledbury and Des Cox was away so he had called on Wes to help him out of a crisis. He has repaid him by scoring a brace in each of the three games to date.

Saturday's game started slowly with both sides showing respect for the other after two close encounters last season.

Malvern's first chance came in the 15th minute when Craig Williams shot across goal but Joyce could only get the merest touch to it and it went wide of the post.

Heath Hayes took the lead after twenty minutes when the ball was crossed over for Justin Blakemore to score. This raised Heath Hayes' game and they continued to press with shots hitting the side netting and the post.

Five minutes before the interval Malvern found second gear and a Joyce chip over the keeper was just too high and Nathan Jukes headed straight at the keeper from close range following a Darren Bullock cross.

The second half started as the first and play was restricted to the middle of the park for long periods.

However, in the 71st minute a good ball from Jukes found Joyce who headed home the equaliser. Malvern kept up the pressure and in the 85th minute, following a good move by Jukes, Joyce shot just over the bar.

With only a minute of normal time remaining Malvern gained a free kick 35 yards out and Nathan Jukes' kick found Joyce to head in the winner.

Malvern retained possession for time added on to secure their place in the first round proper and a home tie against Staveley Miners Welfare from the North East Counties Division One.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern travel to Quorn in Leicestershire for a Travel Factory Midland Football Alliance League game. Kick-off 3pm.

A coach will be leaving Langland Stadium at 11am, stopping at The Three Pears (Sixways, Worcester).

Town are without Adam Moss and Dave Alden and give a first team debut to Paul Wyatt in goal. Dean Roberts, Scott Morris and Phil Preedy are still recovering from injuries and will have fitness tests during the week.

Likely squad: Wyatt, Chalmers, Clayton, Cannon, Jones, Heaney, Smith, Jukes, Bullock, Halion, Williams, Joyce, Cox, Preedy (D), Tomkins (R), Endacott, Lambert, Roberts, Morris and Preedy (P).

On Tuesday (October 5) Town's U18s are at home to Racing Club Warwick in the first round of the MYFL League Cup.