TOWN Reserves travelled to Studley for this Evesham Hospital Cup fixture and finding the main pitch waterlogged, had to play on the adjacent, much smaller pitch.

HALFORDS (REDDITCH) 2, MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 3 (aet)

As a consequence, they found the ball out of play for much of the game but were marginally the better side throughout the encounter.

Town scored after 20 minutes when midfielder Mike Roberts had three consecutive shots and was delighted to see his third effort slide under the keeper.

Tom Smith, who had a good game in goal for Malvern, found himself one-on-one with Paul Jones but the keeper stood tall and dived at the last minute, saving a certain goal.

Early in the second-half, Halfords looked yards offside and with the referee ignoring the frantic flag- waving of the linesman, he allowed Ryan Dowling to equalise whilst Town were remonstrating.

Danny James was instrumental in restoring Town's lead as he worked an opening and drove the ball across the box forcing a defender to deflect it into his own net.

With minutes to go, a poor defensive back header allowed Scott Harris the opportunity to race through and equalise for the second time.

Town's young substitutes Duncan Edwards and Jamie Plant entered the fray and gave a good account of themselves, supporting young Aron Murphy in midfield.

The game was settled when Dan Finnigan played the ball through to Danny James and the striker hit the ball on the half-volley giving Town a deserved win.