MANAGER Les Jones has been left frustrated that both of Malvern Town’s defeats so far this season have come in prestigious cup competitions.
Despite winning all six of their opening West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division encounters, the Hillsiders have not fared so well in FA tournaments.
Jones’ side bowed out of the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup in a 7-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Casuals before losing 4-1 at home to Smethwick in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Josh Small gave the visitors the advantage before Nathan Stone and Beni Kiembi put the game out of sight.
Sixteen-year-old debutant Josh Edwards then reduced Malvern’s arrears but there was still time for Stuart Hillman to bag a fourth for Smethwick.
“It was a disappointing result but we had more than enough chances to win the game when it was at 0-0,” said Jones.
“We have only got ourselves to blame and it is frustrating that we keep losing in the cups.
“Having been on such a good run in the league it is a shame that we have not been able to get on a bit of a cup run in the FA competitions.”
Malvern will hope to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday when third placed Black Country Rangers are the visitors to the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
Having had Rangers scouted, Jones knows how tough a test this weekend’s league encounter will be.
“The result on Saturday will measure where we are as a team,” he said.
“Black Country Rangers are a very good side and one I expect to be challenging for the title.
“It’s a really big test for us but I expect it to be a cracking game.
“Our aim is to quickly get back to winning ways but we are going to have to perform at our very best to come away with a positive result.”