RANGERS stopped the sequence of defeats having lost their last three matches with this 0-0 draw against Ludlow Town Reserves.

MALVERN RANGERS 0, LUDLOW TOWN RES 0

Ludlow are the division's draw specialist, having drawn more games than any other side, but this was Rangers' first draw of the season.

Adam Spencer and Lee Watts came in for their first starts of the season and Rob Cullen and captain Neil Bond returned after enforced lay-offs.

A fairly even first-half saw Rob Cullen hit keeper Adam Marsh after working his way into the box on 26 minutes. From the rebound, Neil Bond struck a defender resulting in a fruitless corner.

Straight after Adam Bowen shot over the crossbar when well placed at the other end.

On 30 minutes, a cross from Lee Watts saw Dave Perera in possession, but from a narrow angle he couldn't get enough power on his shot to force the ball over the line.

Two minutes later and Adam Bowen shot wide, following a short back pass form Craig Penney.

After 40 minutes, a good cross by Bowen was headed over the bar at the back post.

With two minutes of the half remaining and Ludlow finishing the stronger, a weak back pass by Andy Fletcher again saw Bowen shoot wide.

Chances were probably fewer in the second-half and, after 18 minutes Dave Perera had a good opportunity for Rangers which was squandered and Ludlow went straight down the other end and earned a fruitless corner.

With just two minutes of normal time remaining, Mike Cole had a glorious chance to secure all three points when he did tremendously well to nip the ball away from keeper Adam Marsh. But, with the goal gaping, he hit the ball over the bar.

Man-of-the-math Mike Cole.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys Inn, entertain Cresswell Wanderers in a West Midlands League division one fixture, kick-off 1.45pm, players to meet at the ground 12.30pm. Cresswell beat Rangers 4-1 back in November.