MALVERN entertained Coaching Solution Hockey League West Midlands division two leaders Newtown at home on Saturday.

MALVERN 2, NEWTOWN 3

Malvern were able to field an almost full strength squad for the first time this season and the performance showed it.

From the whistle, Malvern were on the attack with the midfield quintet of Kev Somers, John Podmore, Dave Sheath, Tristan Price and Mike Braim combining well with excellent crisp passes. One such move and a great pass from Somers found Brian Crump in space only for him to shoot wide.

Malvern pressed forward again with another super pass to Crump, who out paced the defence and rounded the keeper to score.

Newtown showed signs of shock and their worries increased when Crump again found space in the D to cooly play the ball under the advancing keeper to grab his second goal.

Newtown began to find their passes and they eventually scored towards the end of the half.

The second-half saw a more aggressive Newtown and they started to show the form that will see them promoted at the end of this season.

The Malvern defence held firm until a disputed penalty stroke was awarded. Keeper Jim Boocock easily saved the shot.

Five minutes later a second disputed stroke was given, but this time Boocock couldn't quite save it.

Newtown pressed for the winner and it came with 10 minutes to go. Malvern tried their best to score again but to no avail.

The game ended 3-2 to Newtown. Special praise goes to Alex Dakin for a good performance in defence and again to Kev Somers for great skills and driving runs.

Man of the match goes jointly to Paul Jordan and Olly Sermon.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern are away to Kynoch.