MALVERN played out a 1-1 draw on Easter Monday in a dour Midland Alliance game at Langland Stadium that lacked any creative football.

MALVERN TOWN 1, STRATFORD TOWN 1

In the first half, Malvern goalkeeper Craig Humphries did not have a shot to save.

Malvern had two clear heading chances from Nathan Jukes' free-kicks but Mark Burrows and Steve Lutz were woefully wide. Good football between Mark Owen and Phil Preedy saw Ayres dive full length to deny Preedy then Duncan Preedy whipped in a cross and Lutz headed wide again.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Luke Willetts and Burrows mis-kicked in front of goal.

Stratford then shook Malvern when Wellington pulled the ball back for Hawker to put the visitors in front.

Malvern equalised seven minute later when Davis brought down the energetic Willetts and Nathan Jukes slotted home the spot-kick.

Malvern thought they had taken the lead when a flowing move involving Willetts and Halion finally ended up with Phil Preedy chipping over the keeper, but the linesman flagged for an infringement.

With time running out, Malvern had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Duncan Preedy squared the ball back for Halion, but the midfielder was bundled off the ball just as he was about to shoot.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town are at home to Barwell (3.00).