A MALVERN Town side severely depleted by injury problems scuppered any hopes Kington had of claiming the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division title with a battling display at the Langland Stadium on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN 1, KINGTON TOWN 1

Despite falling behind to a Ben Chambers goal after 15 minutes, Town responded well and when Chris Ashby handled a 20th minute goalbound Lee Goodman header on the line, the resultant red card and Des Cox's emphatic conversion from the spot put Town in the ascendancy.

After the break, Kington stepped up a gear and a manic scramble in the 50th minute nearly brought a goal, but for the remainder of the half Malvern's confidence continued to grow. With Cox in outstanding form, well supported by youngsters Goodman and Hooper, Town finished the stronger.