MALVERN Town Reserves ended 2005 on a winning note as they entertained and defeated Ludlow Town Reserves 2-1 on Saturday in this West Midlands division one fixture.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 2, LUDLOW TOWN RESERVES 1

Town were in good form and totally dominated the first-half, creating several chances. Lee Goodman went on a mazey run and crossed to Danny James, who struck the ball well, forcing an excellent save from visiting keeper Ryan Griffiths.

Minutes later James found strike partner Barry Hughes in space and only a last-ditch tackle from Jamie Wear prevented the score.

In the 35th minute, Ed Lyons chipped the defence and James sprinted through to blast the ball into the top right hand corner of the net.

As this tactic appeared to work, Hughes chipped the defence and James finished in similar fashion, this time in the top left-hand corner of the net.

Town continued to dominate most of the second-half where Adam Simpson, Mike Oakes and Mike Roberts, together with young substitutes James Rimell and Jamie Plant, comfortably controlled the midfield and defence. Malvern only made one mistake, in the 88th minute, and were made to pay for it when Ludlow netted.

Skipper Jamie Thomas allowed the ball to bounce between himself and keeper Tom Smith and Ludlow's Matt Hume nipped between the pair, toe-poking home for a consolation goal.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town Reserves are at Langland Stadium again when they entertain Bridgnorth Town Reserves in a league game (2.45pm).

Town Reserves are sponsored by Laser Civil Engineering.