MALVERN returned with a hard-earned point against Rothwell in British Gas Business Division One Midlands.

The visitors created the first opportunity in the fourth minute.

Craig Malins’ shot was saved by Rothwell keeper Alex Malong and the rebound was blocked three times by defenders as Chris Allen and Lee Mussells tried to force the ball home.

Rothwell gradually came into the game and Fazel Koriya had chances to grab a hat-trick but poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept him out.

On 20 minutes, he sent an acorbatic effort over the bar, a free-kick five minutes later from Danny Marlow was fired just wide and 10 minutes later he was denied by keeper Craig Humphries.

Just before the break, Malins stole the ball from the Rothwell keeper, crossed to Allen who pulled the ball back to Mussells but he fired over from six yards.

Play went from end to end in the second-half with both sides creating chances but either poor finishing or good defending kept the score blank.

Five minutes from time, substitute Tom Hobbs appeared to be obstructed in the area and, although there were cries for a penalty, the referee waved play on.

Sam Allsop’s equaliser gave Bromsgrove Rovers a 1-1 draw at Barton Rovers, while Stourport Swifts’ match against Arlesey Town was postponed.