MALVERN started this West Midlands division one game in fine style, passing well and stretching a team who struggled early on.

MALVERN TOWN RES 1, BRERETON SOCIAL 2

Mark Goodman closed down Brereton's left-back and his hurried clearance was picked up by Ed Lyons, who chipped through for Ollie Endacott to chest down and hammer home for 1-0.

With 15 minutes gone, Brereton mounted their first real attack which resulted in a penalty after Adam Simpson handled the ball. Brereton's number four struck the ball well but a brilliant full-length diving save by Tom Smith saw the ball tipped around the upright for a corner.

Town had two chances to increase their lead before half-time, firstly when Goodman put Lyons in space, but his shot flashed across the face of the box and seconds later, Endacott fired straight at the visiting keeper.

The game took a turn for the worse when both Mike Oakes and Ed Lyons were side-lined with ankle injuries and Town came under sustained pressure.

The visitors equalised when John-Rob Dutton met a corner on the far post and headed home.

Time and again Brereton battered Town's goal and following a corner, which was initially headed out by defender Mike Roberts, the ball was fired home by Craig Jennings from the edge of the box.

Town Reserves are sponsored by Malvern Instruments and Laser Civil Engineering.