MALVERN Town boss Les Jones has praised the great spirit in his side after they managed to secure a 5-2 victory over local rivals Bromyard Town despite playing with ten men for most of the match.
After going 2-0 up, Malvern were pegged back to 2-2 by the league strugglers before Dene Whittal-Williams was sent off five minutes before the interval after picking up a second yellow card.
Momentum was with Bromyard at half time but the Hillsiders raised their game when it mattered as three second half goals secured the victory for Jones’ side.
Malvern’s fifth consecutive league win moved them up to fourth in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division table with five games to go.
Jones said: “It was a really frustrating game as we were cruising at 2-0 and had enough chances to score a lot more.
“However, Bromyard managed to get themselves back into the game and then we were reduced to ten men.
“For the second half we changed the shape a little and we went on to win so that was pleasing.
“Over the last couple of games we have dragged ourselves over the winning line but there’s tremendous spirit and quality in our squad.”
Malvern’s next league game sees them make the trip to second from bottom Wellington Amateurs on Saturday and Jones will be boosted by the returns of Dave Reynolds, Anthony Smith and Aaron Richards, while Phil Harris (hamstring) remains doubtful.
But despite their opponent’s low league position, Jones told the Observer his players need to maintain their focus if they’re going to secure a sixth straight league win.
“Sides near the bottom are capable of winning especially when you are away from home,” he said.
“It will be a really tough game but we will be looking to claim maximum points.
“I am convinced we will be we will secure a top five finish if we win all of our remaining games.”
