MALVERN Rangers travelled to sixth-placed Shenstone Pathfinder on Saturday and on probably the worst pitch encountered for a very long time gave their worst performance for some time.

SHENSTONE PATHFINDER 2, MALVERN RANGERS 0

They also failed to score for the first time this season.

This second consecutive league defeat really does put into doubt their promotion prospects. They now have to rely on other teams taking points off Parkfield, Cresswell and Ellesmere.

The pitch can certainly not be used in its entirety for the poor performance because the home side acquitted themselves better in the conditions.

The warning signs were there as early as the fourth minute, when a long throw from the right saw Shenstone hit the crossbar twice.

Rangers in truth rarely threatened the home goal, although Sam Black did try to get behind the home defence. Mark Taylor wasted one of Rangers' better first-half opportunities when he ballooned a free kick just outside the area, well over the crossbar.

Shenstone took the lead on 34 minutes when Rangers failed to cut out a left sided attack and when the ball was played into centre forward Steve Rowland on the edge of the box he turned and struck a good low shot past keeper Marc Wright.

In the opening minute of the second half Simon Rea crossed to the far post, where Sam Black headed against the post.

A few minutes later and Shenstone's Tom Bell hit a good shot over the crossbar.

A long goal kick by Marc Wright after 12 minutes was headed on and Rod Cullen beat advancing keeper Max Ashworth to the ball but shot wide of the post.

Rangers' fate was sealed after 33 minutes when attacking down their right the ball eventually was crossed to the far post where Mark White missed his clearance and Steve Rowland had the simple task of scoring.

Man of the match was Andrew Fletcher.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, entertain Darlaston Town Reserves in a Division Two fixture. Kick off 2.15pm, players to meet at the ground 1pm.