MALVERN Town manager Les Jones has said his squad are a much stronger outfit now than the last time they faced current West Midlands Regional League Premier Division leaders Shawbury United ahead of the sides’ meeting this weekend.
A big test awaits Malvern when they entertain the top of the table side at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
The last meeting between the two sides came at the end of September when United ran out 5-2 winners thanks to a Stuart Ellis brace and goals from Daniel Beddows, Matthew Elsmore and substitute Joe Bullock.
Since the defeat, Malvern have gone from strength to strength, claiming 32 points from 16 league games – a run of form which has rocketed them up to sixth in the Premier Division table.
Malvern go into the clash in fine form after thrashing Smethwick Rangers 6-0 on Tuesday night – a win which moved them up to fifth in the league.
Jones told the Observer: “The last game at Shawbury was a really exciting and end-to-end game of football.
“Even though we conceded five goals, it was a very close game of football but controversial decisions cost us.
“However, this time around we have a much stronger side so I’m confident my players will go out there and put on a performance.”
Shawbury are currently eight points clear of Haughmond at the top of the table but, despite their huge advantage, Jones believes the title is far from decided at the moment.
“Looking at the table right now, everyone would say Shawbury are the favourites,” Jones added.
“However, I think teams like Cradley Town, Wolverhampton Casuals and AFC Bridgnorth – who have six games in hand on Shawbury – could win the title.
“There’s a long way to go and it’s all about putting wins together so I expect our game against Shawbury to be a difficult one.”
