AN extra-time strike by Danny James secured the Evesham Hospital Cup for a jaded Malvern Town Reserves, who were playing their 49th game of the season.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 2, BADSEY RANGERS 1 (aet)

The final at Evesham United's Common Road ground started badly for Malvern when slack defending allowed a Badsey player to virtually walk the ball through to take a 1-0 lead.

Malvern hit back and in the 20th minute striker Danny James was brought down by the opposing keeper in the penalty area. He got up to hit home the equaliser from the spot.

The game then took on an end-of-season look with both teams lacking drive and extra-time looked a certainty as neither goalkeeper was tested for the rest of the 90 minutes.

Even in extra-time, the game was still a drab affair with goalkeepers virtually spectators.

With two minutes remaining and penalties looking probable Malvern suddenly produced the move that won the game.

Danny James crossed the ball in from the left flank and Peter Rose headed firmly home to make it 2-1.

Malvern then easily saw out the remaining time to take the spoils.

Reserves manager Paul Pallett said: "It was a drab game and the standard of football was poor, but we just about did enough to deserve victory.

"Our central defenders, James Brighton and Adam Simpson, were outstanding and Danny James kept battling away up front against an uncompromising defence."