MALVERN Town manager Les Jones blamed his side’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal as they went down 3-1 to Stone Old Alleynians.
Jones was left frustrated with his side’s inability to find the net on Saturday despite dominating the West Midlands (Regional) Premier Division encounter in Staffordshire throughout.
It was a defeat which meant third placed Malvern failed to make ground on league leaders Haughmond and second placed Wolverhampton Sporting.
Speaking to the Observer, Jones said: “We totally dominated the game but we didn’t take our chances which made for a disappointing afternoon.
“We were missing Dave Reynolds but we had enough chances and quality in the squad to win the game.
“The whole team were frustrated because we should have won the game.”
Malvern went into the game without top goalscorer Dave Reynolds (absent) and certainly missed his service as Malvern missed a number of chances to find the net while on top.
Stone Old Alleynians took the lead just before half-time when Sam Wilson looped the ball over goalkeeper Charlie Weaver to give the hosts the lead.
But Malvern responded in immediate fashion when a Lewis Platt cross found Mason Mansfield who scored to make it 1-1.
The Hillsiders continued to attack with efforts from Bryan Craven and Chris Parker going close.
And Malvern went behind again in the 65th minute when they failed to clear the ball away and substitute Charlie Jones fired in to make it 2-1.
Pushing for a second equaliser, Malvern continued to waste good chances – Lewis Platt headed wide in front of an open goal and Craven had a shot blocked for a corner.
There were also efforts missed by Matthew Turner and Max Kontic-Coveney
And the game was up when Matt Thomas scored from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to make it 3-1.
Les Jones’ side return to action tonight (Wednesday) against Redditch Borough at home in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup before a tricky league encounter this Saturday away at on-form Wolverhampton Casuals.
