MALVERN Town Reserves played host to Staffordshire side Ashbourne on Saturday and with constant drizzle throughout, the pitch became heavy underfoot.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 1, ASHBOURNE 1

The game was fairly even with both teams playing the ball out of defence as quickly as possible and hoping to capitalise on each other's mistakes. For Malvern, the back three of Leighton, Thomas and Simpson were in sparkling form and goalie Mark Hooper was rock solid between the sticks.

Danny James and Lee Goodman formed a good partnership and were a constant threat up the left wing where they gave the Ashbourne right-back a torrid time. Five minutes before the interval Ed Lyons went on a run, outstripping the left-back and crossing to Peter Rose, who had followed up from midfield. The skipper blasted home from four yards to give Town a 1-0 lead.

In the second half the rain got worse and the pitch cut up but Town contrived to play passing football. The introduction of fresh legs in the form of Finnigan, Fellows and Baker saw a number of chances created, but not converted.

Ashbourne mounted a number of attacks with men pushed forward and the tactic finally paid off in the 89th minute. In a crowded goal mouth, Ross Armstrong back-heeled the ball into the net from close range.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Town Reserves play Ashbourne again, at home in the League Cup second round, kick-off 2.45pm.