A LATE Ben Hayes goal ensured Malvern Town walked away with all three points in an incredible nine-goal thriller at Stone Old Alleynians.
Despite being pegged back twice, the Hillsiders snatched the win three minutes from time to claim a dramatic 5-4 victory against the Staffordshire based side.
The hard-earned win lifted Malvern Town up to sixth in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division table.
On their first league visit to Alleynians, Malvern got off to the perfect start as Hayes got his first goal of the game inside two minutes after firing home from 25 yards out.
Bryan Craven doubled the advantage 15 minutes later when Reynolds’ cross was lashed home at the back post.
Alleynians pulled a goal back on the 19th minute when Alex Kay slotted the ball past Chris Weaver from James Garlick’s throughball.
And Malvern’s early two goal advantage was surrendered when Alleynians drew level midway through the first half when Kay neted his second goal from close range after seeing his initial shot well saved by Weaver.
Four minutes later, Malvern retook the lead when Luke Corbett nodded home Craven’s corner.
And the Hillsiders regained their two-goal advantage at the end of an action packed first half as Matthew Turner beat two men before laying the ball off to Hayes and the resultant cross was met by the in-form Corbett to stab home his ninth goal in seven games.
After the interval, a superb save by Matt Burslem kept the score at 4-2 to Malvern as Reece King’s effort was tipped over the bar.
The woodwork came to the rescue of Alleynians on the hour mark as Corbett’s shot was parried on to the post by Burslem.
With 20 minutes remaining, Alleynians reduced the arrears when Kay’s initial effort was parried by Weaver before George Askey collected the rebound to slot home.
Ten minutes later Alleynians drew level for the second time in the game as Askey bundled the ball over the line following a cross from the right.
However, the drama was not over as three minutes from the end, the Hillsiders got their fifth goal of the game when Hayes grabbed his second of the afternoon with a cool finish from Craven’s cross.
The Hillsiders’ next game sees them welcome Dudley Sports to the HDAnywhere Community Stadium on Saturday.
Picture courtesy of Cliff Williams.
