MALVERN entertained Standard in this Coaching Solutions Hockey League West Midlands division two fixture, played at Malvern Boys' College.

MALVERN 2, STANDARD 3

Malvern got off to a poor start when three players pulled out shortly before the game, leaving the side with only 10 players.

Midfielders Joe Smith and Ben Mawby did themselves justice as they dropped into the make-shift defence alongside Rich Peate and Olly Sermon.

Standard used their numerical advantage to good effect to quickly take a 2-0 lead. Malvern have this season responded well under pressure and they did so again when Rich Peate scored his third goal of the season with yet another superb drag flick, which beat the Standard keeper all ends up.

Malvern continued to press with Kevin Somers linking excellently with Mike Braim, who forced the ball over the goal- line.

Unfortunately, the umpire was unsighted and he had to give a penalty stroke. Brian Crump stepped up and confidently stroked the ball passed the Standard keeper to score his eighth goal of the season.

Malvern had a few chances to score but failed to capitalise on any hard-earned possession. Standard made Malvern pay for their misses when they scored a breakaway goal with just one minute remaining.

With a full-strength side, this would have been an easy victory for Malvern but three points were lost due to lack of commitment.

One highlight of a dull day was the return of Kevin Somers, who produced a dazzling display of close-control stick skills to mesmerise the Standard defence and he was easily the man-of-the-match.