MALVERN mens' hockey team welcomed high-flying Barlaston for this Coaching Solutions West Midlands division two fixture.

MALVERN 1, BARLASTON 6

The home side started the game with only one recognised defender and young Adam Morris performed well, even though he was starting only his second league game for Malvern. Kev Somers and Brian Crump were also drafted into the makeshift defence.

Malvern began the game extremely well, with the midfield of Ben Mawby, Paul Jordan, Dan Morris and Alex Dakin causing problems to the Barlaston defence. This pressure paid off when Paul Jordan drove the ball to Alex Dakin, who struck a fantastic shot to beat the keeper for pace.

This early goal for Malvern seemed to spur the opposition into action and they hit back immediately with a fine move and well- struck shot. A second goal soon followed but Malvern were quite happy to keep that scoreline up to half-time.

The second-half continued with more pressure from Barlaston and the goals came at steady intervals to complete a 1-6 scoreline.

The goals against would have been much higher except for the superb play of Rich Peate and Jim Boocock. A mention must also go to Richard and Ben Simmonds, who worked tirelessly up in attack without much joy.

Man-of-the-match was Rich Peate.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern travel to Aston University.