HAVING lost 3-1 away at West Midland division one (South) leaders Gornal Athletic two weeks ago, Town put in a much improved display at home.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 0, GORNAL ATHLETIC 1

Gornal had the better of the first half, but were held at bay by resolute defending. Town's best chances came from free kicks and left back John Fryer went closest for Malvern with a well directed header.

At times the game got very physical with both sides being guilty of foul play and the referee struggled to stop the game boiling over.

Ten minutes into the second half Gornal were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. Their number nine crossed towards the far post, and with two Gornal players attempting to head and missing the ball, they did enough to unsight Peter Nightingale and the ball went into the net without anyone touching it.

With 20 minutes left Gornal introduced fresh legs up front in search of a second goal. Five minutes later Town did likewise but it was too little too late to alter the course of the game and Gornal ran out match winners and league champions.