MALVERN bowed out of the Polymac Services League Cup after coming back from two goals behind at half-time only to concede the winner in injury time.

MALVERN TOWN 2, ALVECHURCH 3

Malvern threw newcomer Mark Atkinson straight in at the deep end and they could have taken an early lead when Mark Owen turned Shepherd's cross onto the post.

Alvechurch then took control, Atkinson fired over before Kitching fired home after Williams failed to clear. Craig Humphries then kept Malvern in the game brilliantly saving Longthorn's penalty after he had been fouled by Whittington.

On 40 minutes Alvechurch doubled their lead when Longthorn out-jumped Burrows to head home Kitching's cross.

Malvern tried to retaliate and striker Owen, who hasn't found the net since October 6, was three times denied goals by an over-zealous linesman.

Malvern sent on Lee Tomkins for Atkinson at half-time, and after a bout of prolonged pressure Husslebee fouled Jukes in the box. Jukes picked himself up, and fired home the spot-kick.

Although Malvern continued to press Longthorn missed a sitter for the visitors before substitute Dean Roberts drove home from 18 yards via the post to bring Malvern level.

Deep into injury time with extra-time looming Malvern conceded a free-kick, they failed to clear their lines and Burden fired through a crowded defence to give Alvechurch a deserved victory.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern are away at Barwell (3pm) and on Wednesday evening entertain Lye Town in the second round of the WFA Senior Urn.