MARK Brookes was on target but Malvern Town slipped to defeat at the Langland Stadium.

Shifnal took the lead in the Midland Alliance clash after just seven minutes when the swirling wind held up Paul Ireland’s header and it fell to Joe Davies to side foot home.

Gradually Malvern worked their way into the game with Craig Selby, having returned to the club, causing the Shifnal defence problems with his skill and footwork.

In the 15th minute, he crossed the ball into the penalty area, keeper Tom Tufft misjudged it but Andrew Crosskey fired the loose ball over.

Malvern equalised five minutes later from an inswinging corner which was headed home by Brookes.

Chances then went begging for the hosts with Bryan Craven denied by Tufft and Paul Edwards firing over the bar from 30 yards.

Malvern never got going in the second-half and the closest they came was Craven’s free-kick being saved by Tufft on the hour.

Shifnal’s dominance began to tell and in the 75th minute the ball fell to Andy Rich who chested it down and fired home an unstoppable 35-yard shot.