MALVERN Ladies played host to second-placed Stourport Thirds on Saturday, fielding only ten players.

MALVERN LADIES 4, STOURPORT 3

Nevertheless, Malvern started strongly and soon took the lead through Nikki Forecast's first goal for the club, which was followed a couple of minutes later by her second.

Malvern kept the pressure on and with attacking positive hockey found themselves 3-0 up through a terrific solo effort from Anna McCloud. She picked the ball up on the halfway line, beat several defenders and the goalkeeper before walking the ball over the line.

Stourport were unable to break down a determined Malvern defence and Malvern ended the first half 3-0 up.

Stourport came back strongly and pulled two goals back to leave a tense final ten minutes.

Malvern's captain and top scorer Lucy Smith relieved the pressure by scoring after a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Malvern held on for an impressive win despite a late consolation goal from Stourport.

This win follows last week's 4-2 victory over Old Sills with the Smith sisters, Lucy and Kt, scoring two impressive goals each.

Despite being fifth in the table, Malvern have beaten all the teams above them.

Tomorrow (Saturday), they welcome Worcester at Malvern Boys College, 2.30pm start.