MALVERN will be wondering how they failed to bring home the Midland Alliance points after totally dominating this game from start to finish.

STRATFORD TOWN 1, MALVERN TOWN 0

Malvern had numerous half-chances before good work between latest signing Mark Owen and Phil Preedy set up Mark Shepherd, but he shot wide of the target in the 25th minute.

On 32 minutes, on one of their rare breakaways Bailey caught the Malvern defence flat-footed. He sent Heath clear and his shot was brilliantly saved by Humphries but O'Brian, following up, scored from close-in.

Malvern responded straight away, Chalmers' pass caught Stratford flat-footed and put Shepherd through on goal but the striker blasted over.

The second half saw Malvern completely dominate and Owen's early effort was scrambled off the line.

On 53 minutes, Phil Preedy's cross cannoned off the bar, then on the hour Malvern were nearly caught again when Humphries had to tip over Connolly's shot and Chalmers thwarted Pountney in front of goal.

Malvern still drove forward, but for all their dominance, the midfield failed to create clear openings for the strikers.

Substitutes Des Cox and Duncan Preedy were sent on and both caused problems. Preedy whipped in a couple of dangerous crosses and from one Owen headed narrowly wide.

This was a game Malvern should have won but for all their pressure, Malvern lacked the final pass to unlock a resolute defence.

Malvern Town continue their Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance programme with a trip to Tipton Town (3.00) tomorrow (Saturday) and on Tuesday (August 23) entertain Stourbridge (7.45) at Langland Stadium.