AN extra-time Brian Powell penalty condemed Malvern Town to a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Feckenham in the Worcester Royal Infirmary Senior Cup final at Pershore.

However, they received a massive boost before the match when they learned that West Midlands Premier Division title rivals Tipton Town had been held 2-2 by Ledbury Town, Robbie Colwell scoring both goals for Ledbury.

That means Malvern will be crowned champions for the first time if they win their final league game at Bromyard Town tomorrow.

Malvern might have secured the advantage in the final, but Feckenham 'keeper Dave Gorton twice denied Craig Wiliams and Dean Roberts.

But at the other end the influential Powell kept the Malvern defence on their toes and on more than one occassions the ball flashed across Dave Alden's area.

But the Midland Combination outfit took the lead in controversial fashion. Gary Smith appeared to have been badly fouled on the halfway line, but despite Malvern's protests, the ball broke to Powell who turned Andy Chalmers and fired the ball just inside Alden's right hand post.

The second half saw Malvern much more like their normal selves and an excellent move involving Nick Clayton, Rik Halion and Smith set up Roberts, who fired past Gorton in the 54th minute.

But injuries to Roberts and Craig Williams hampered them and in extra-time Dave Cannon was sent off for handball, Powell converting the resulting penalty.

Meanwhile, Malvern's delayed Worcestershire FA Senior Urn final against Alvechurch will now be played on Friday at Evesham United FC (7.30).