AN inexperienced Malvern Town line-up fell 2-0 at leaders Barwell in the Aspire Midland Alliance.
They had no recognised forward in the team with Alex Taffe (wrist) and Joe Kings (groin) injured, Bryan Craven banned and Stuart Gates unavailable due to family commitments.
Youth teamers Mason Mansfield, Ryan Clarke, Craig Carter and Conor O’Callaghan all started.
Malvern called on Marcel Simpson as his club, Zamaretto League side Rugby, did not have a game and he dominated the defence with Paul Ireland.
Barwell only created two opportunities in the first-half with Adam Cunnington and Nicholas Green both firing off target.
The second period saw Barwell playing downhill and Malvern’s defence finally cracked in the 70th minute.
A corner was headed against the bar and the rebound fell to Adam Knibbs, who slotted home.
Cunnington found the net in the 81st minute when he weaved his way through before slotting home.
Malvern entertain Studley in the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn quarter-finals tomorrow night (7.45).
Meanwhile, Pegasus Juniors maintained their 100 per cent FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division home record by beating Flackwell Heath 2-0.
They gained their first home victory over the Buckinghamshire opponents in three attempts.
A goal in each half was sufficient, despite Juniors being under pressure for much of the second-half. A shot from 25 yards by Bobby Aldrich was tipped over the bar by keeper Sam Southerden in a dour first period.
Simon Gwynne forced in the opener on 27 minutes after Ben Price flicked on Anthony Robbins’ free-kick.
Flackwell had an effort ruled out for offside before Gwynne bagged the second three minutes from time.
Pegasus head to Henley Town tomorrow night in The AM Print and Copy Hellenic League Floodlit Cup second round (7.45).
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