TOWN Reserves played host to Wolverhampton United on Saturday and lost to one of the league's bottom sides with yet another lack-lustre display.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 1, WOLVERHAMPTON UNITED 2

Malvern were set back after just five minutes when Kieron Northwood rose unchallenged in the box to head home a corner.

Town gradually worked their way back into the game with some flowing football with Cole, Cannon and Edwards dominating midfield.

Ollie Endacott did not help Town's cause when following a robust challenge from behind, he lashed out recklessly with his feet and the referee had no option but to brandish his red card.

The referee then awarded Malvern a free-kick on the edge of the 18-yard box and Mark Goodman hit the crossbar with a powerful shot which richoted to safety.

Wolverhampton moved the ball down to the edge of the Malvern box and Tom Smith was lucky not to be sent off for handling the ball outside his area, and being the last man in defence.

Paul Edwards found Danny James in space and he crossed to Goodman, who forced an excellent diving save out of the visiting keeper.

In a game full of mistakes, young Aaron Murphy lost the ball in midfield and B Goddard ran through, rounded Smith and gave the visitors a bit of breathing space.

With minutes to go, Town were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box which James took quickly finding the inside of the post, pulling one goal back.

However as with previous weeks, this reply was too little, too late.

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