THIS was a very closely-fought Mercian Festival League match with both sides playing enjoyable passing football.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U13S 1, NORTON ATHLETIC 4

The match could have gone either way but with Norton taking a goal lead just before half-time, it strengthened their resolve which showed itself in the second-half.

The first-half was end-to-end with both sides breaking through the defence of the other providing for shots on goal. The Wanderers' midfield and defence battled hard with Loader, Asquith, Whittle, Webb, Titmus, Banks and Ball passing the ball around well before Norton grabbed their goal five minutes before half-time.

In the second-half, Mayo and Allmark came on and Bottomley moved into goal. Wanderers found it difficult to break through and the close marking of Howie and Mayo limited runs on the goal. Asquith made two very good plays through the midfield only to be denied a goal.

At 3-0 down, Scullion lifted the team spirit with a lovely shot from the right into goal, however in the end Norton took the points and remain unbeaten this season.

With four games to go, Wanderers will need to remain in top form to be in the top two places of the league.