MALVERN Town’s hopes of promotion from the West Midlands Regional Premier Division took another dent over the weekend when they crashed to their second straight league loss in the Black Country.
The Hillsiders, who were without several regular first team players, had the lead twice but ended up losing 3-2 away to Wolverhampton Casuals in an entertaining and topsy-turvy encounter.
It was a defeat which placed Malvern 13 points behind leaders Haughmond and 11 points adrit of second placed Wolverhampton Sporting Community.
Manager Les Jones blamed a disappointing second half display for the side’s defeat.
“We were all disappointed because it was another game which we felt we should have won,” he said.
“But we didn’t create as much chances in the second half. If we took more of our chances in the first half then it could have been a different story.
“We now have to get back on track against Shifnal on Saturday and I am confident we can put in a good performance.”
But Jones’ side could not have wished or a better start when the returning Dave Reynolds fired the ball home after being put through by Max Kontic-Coveney.
However, Malvern’s 1-0 lead only lasted for three minutes when Liam Hughes netted in Harry Cunningham’s cross from out wide.
In the 23rd minute Casuals free kick to the right and the ball was crossed along the goal line and Shaquille Lee missed a great chance, shooting wide.
The game continued in an open manner with both sides creating good chances but it was Malvern who went 2-1 ahead in the 35th minute when Nathan Hughes fired home after good work from Reynolds and Kontic-Coveney.
Malvern could have moved 3-1 up before half time when efforts from Phil Harris and Harry Wickett failed to find the net.
And the Hillsiders were to pay the penalty or those missed chances when Casuals levelled again just before the hour mark when Kevin Nicholls tapped home from close range.
The home side were then dominant as Malvern keep Charlie Weaver was forced into making some good saves as Casuals sensed the game was there for the taking.
And their dominance saw them take the lead or the first time in the 69th minute when Hughes fired in his second to make it 3-2.
Malvern had a couple of efforts in the later stages but were unable to find an equaliser.
Malvern return to action on Tuesday when they ace Bromsgrove Sporting in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Senior Urn.
