MALVERN Town FC's preparations for a key FA inspection have been hit by vandals.

Malvern currently sit top of the Midlands Football Alliance and have real hopes of promotion.

However, winning the league would not be enough if the FA deems its ground is not up to the standard of the next league up, Southern League One (West).

FA officials will carry out an inspection next week and improvements are being carried out, including fencing around the pitch, improved press facilities and enhanced disabled access.

Late on Wednesday night (March 22), vandals smashed a large section of the new fencing, setting back the already tight programme of work.

Club chairman Paul Pallett said: "It's mindless vandalism. We are really trying to make this a community club and encourage people to come enjoy the football that's played here, because it's of a very good standard.

"We are very upset by this incident and if we find out who did it we will prosecute."