AFTER last week's impressive win, Malvern's spirits were high as they travelled to Stourport against opponents looking for their first league points.

STOURPORT IV 1, MALVERN LADIES HC 2

In persistent rain Malvern quickly settled into their passing game and with Lucy Smith making herself a willing target up front, a series of incisive through-balls threatened to sink the home side.

At the heart of the Malvern defence Amanda Smith showed great composure as she broke up a number of Stourport moves.

After 15 minutes, Lucy Smith linked up with her sisters Katie and Amanda, and found herself one-on-one with the Stourport goalkeeper and confidently slotted home for Malvern to take the lead.

A few minutes later more impressive close control and slick passing pulled the home defence apart and Lucy Smith again made no mistake.

For most of the second half Malvern had to contend with 12 opponents as a Stourport coach insisted on striding onto the pitch to bellow instructions. This had the desired effect as the home team grew in confidence and they pulled a goal back.

The Malvern team, having learned valuable defensive lessons from earlier matches and refusing to be intimidated, defended resolutely as the home side pushed forward looking for the equaliser.

Nicky Harvey and Emma Spicer battled alongside player of the match Amanda Smith, with impressive defensive performances to spoil Stourport's efforts through to the final whistle.