FIELDING a much changed side from the one that won 3-4 away at Cradley Town two weeks ago, Malvern Town put in a very disjointed display on Tuesday evening in the Midland Alliance League Cup.

MALVERN TOWN 1, CRADLEY TOWN 4

The first goal came as Andy Chalmers lost the ball to an easy interception and Cradley quickly returned the ball into the danger area just outside the 18-yard box, where Gavin Mole beat goalie Dave Alden for a 0-1 lead.

Town responded with a sustained period of pressure and Danny James found Scott Morris twice but the striker saw his first effort rebound off the upright and his second effort collected easily by Dave Hancock.

Darren Bullock sprayed some superb passes around the pitch and one 60 yard pass put Duncan Preedy away but Preedy's shot was well saved by Hancock.

Speedy winger Andre Whyte slipped through Town's defence and only had Alden to beat, but the keeper spread himself wide and parried the ball away for a corner. The corner was delivered by Matt Morrison and Mole rose well only to see his effort cleared off the line by Chalmers.

Two minutes later and a second corner was cleared off the line by Nick Clayton and Town were looking decidedly vulnerable.

With half time approached Mitchel Lester crossed for Nathan Bonnett to head over and Town were fortunate to go in one goal down.

Early in the second half Morrison, Whyte and Mole went close to increasing Cradley's lead before Rich Tompkins went on a mazey run but was let down by his final shot. Sixteen minutes into the second half Town were awarded a free kick and Bullock stretched Hancock full length for a diving save, only to see the ball fall into the path of Danny James and he made no mistake.

Town applied more pressure and Preedy went close before another Bullock free kick was headed just over the cross bar. Winger Andre Whyte outstripped Matt Morris and finished well from a tight angle despite Alden's attempt to close him down, making it 1-2 to Cradley.

Striker Dean Roberts came on half way through the second half and within minutes he had set up Tompkins, but the winger sliced the ball over the bar.

For the umpteenth time in the match Whyte got the better of Town's defence and put in a perfect cross for Mole to record his second goal.

Town were reduced to ten men as Preedy pulled a muscle and had to leave the field. Cradley took full advantage of the extra man and midfielder Andrew Millington cracked home the best goal of the night making it 1-4 and a miserable evening for Malvern.