MALVERN started the new year with a home game against Chaddesley Corbett.

MALVERN 1, CHADDESLEY CORBETT 3

With a couple of team regulars unavailable Malvern were forced to draft in a couple of juniors.

Chaddesley pressed Malvern from the start and took the lead early on with a deflected shot. Malvern had their chances in the first half with Kev Somers coming close whilst showing some excellent close control and great stick work.

Somewhat against the run of play, Chaddsley scored again after a fine move.

The second-half brought on Brian Crump to give some added experience to the team. Immediately Malvern had a chance when great play from the midfield of John Podmore, Kev Somers and PJ found Mike Braim at the back post with an open goal. Amazingly, Braim puy the ball wide.

Chaddesley scored a third from a penalty corner with a shot that sneaked in by a post which should have been guarded.

Malvern eventually scored with a fine flowing move from defence through the midfield to the strikers with Brian Crump making no mistake from six yards.

The game ended with a 3-1 loss. The fixture at the start of the season ended 10-1, so Malvern again showed their improvement.

Man of the match went jointly to Jim Boocock and Kev Somers.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern travel to high-flying Kingswinford.