MALVERN Town secured their first victory in this season's Banks's Brewery League Premier Division at Brierley Hill on Saturday, and although Sean Cotterill's winning goal did not come until the 88th minute, this was a game Town should have had sown up by half time.

BRIERLY HILL 2, MALVERN TOWN 3

Dominating the early proceedings it was no surprise when Richard Congrave fired Malvern into the lead in the 15th minute.

In the 25th minute Simon Judge capitalised on a goalkeeping error to extend Town's lead and at this stage it looked as though Malvern would go on to secure a sizeable victory.

However, two minutes before half time the home side pulled themselves back into the game when slack marking from a corner allowed a home player to steal in and fire the ball past Sanders from the edge of the six yard box.

The second period started in a similar vein to the first, but Town were unable to convert the numerous openings they created. In the 70th minute it appeared that Town's generosity was going to have a significant cost attached to it, although the home side's equaliser was borne out of controversial circumstances.

Town's Nick Clayton and Mark Brooks collided on the edge of the area when challenging for the same ball, but the referee blew for a free kick to the home side even though no Brierley Hill player was involved in the incident.

From the free kick a fierce strike gave Sanders no chance and Town could not believe that Brierley Hill had somehow managed to get on level terms.

After this shock Town took time to settle but eventually got to grips with the game again and it was no more than they deserved when Cotterill rose unchallenged to head Malvern's last gasp winner into the roof of the net.

Malvern Town: Sanders, Higgins, Cotterill, Hayes, Clayton, Slade (Thomas), Brooks, Maidment (Ward), Phillpotts, Congrave (Shepherd), Judge.

Town's Banks League Division One (South) Reserve game due to take place last Saturday, was postponed as visitors Gornal Athletic Reserves were unable to raise a side.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Town are at home when Gornal Athletic visit the Langland Stadium (3pm).

They will be missing Maidment and Walker have only just begun 35 day suspensions, whilst Shepherd and Ward also miss tomorrow through suspension, but come back into contention for Tuesday's trip to Warley Rangers (7.45pm).

One face that could return to the Town side tomorrow is Dene Whittal - Williams.

Whittal -Williams who was outstanding for Town last season has just returned from three months in Canada and takes up a place at Preston University in two weeks time. He was due to play in a friendly last night (Thursday) against a Worcester City XI and if he performed well enough could be in the side against Warley.

On Saturday, manager Joey Rawle will select from: Sanders, Damore, Higgins, Cotterill, Bastock, Hayes, Clayton, Slade, Whittal-Wlliams, Brooks, Phillpotts, Judge, Congrave, Thomas, James and White.

At the time of going to Press Town Reserves are without a game tomorrow, but there is a possibility that they will visit Hinton in a re-arranged Banks League Division 1 (S) fixture.