MALVERN came back to earth with a bump after their mid-week victory missing the influential drive of injured skipper Darren Bullock.

OLDBURY 2, MALVERN TOWN 1

Malvern's first-half performance was lack-lustre. The midfield lacked sharpness and the ability to hold onto the ball against a home side who were content just to knock long balls to the towering Reynolds and Booth.

The first effort came on 22 minutes and resulted in Reynolds give time and space to turn in the box and beat Humphries with a low shot.

Malvern had a great chance to equalise with their first effort on goal in the 33rd minute, when Mark Owen shot tamely at Price.

Just before half-time, Malvern lost Mark Shepherd through injury and Rik Halion was sent on to try and liven up the somewhat subdued Malvern.

Malvern dominated the second-half for long periods with Halion behind most of the attacking options and new signing Andy Smith prominent from right back.

With time running out Duncan Preedy and Des Cox were thrown on to replace Owen and L Tomkins.

On 85 minutes Malvern seemed to be rewarded when from Preedy's cross Williams headed against the post and Cox volleyed home the rebound. But Malvern's joy was to be short-lived when two of their defenders stopped when appealing for a throw-in, Booth carried on and broke down the left before crossing to Reynolds, who produced a spectacular overhead kick into the top corner.

On Tuesday night Malvern were defeated 1-0 at Coalville Town when Martin Fox converted an eighth minute penalty.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Town welcome RC Warwick (3pm), and on Tuesday night, they are at home again to Oldbury United (7.45pm).