MALVERN TOWN enjoyed a winning start to 2017 as a Dave Reynolds strike helped them to three points at Dudley Town in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.
The 1-0 win leaves Malvern fourth in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit to strugglers Wellington Amateurs.
Going into the game on a poor run of form, the Hillsiders made a bright start with Lewis Platt having an early shot saved by Ashley Horton in the Dudley goal.
The visitors continued to dominate with Reynolds and Matthew Turner missing the target and finding Horton in fine form.
However, Malvern eventually took the lead in the 18th minute when the dangerous Platt crossed to Turner who laid the ball across goal and Reynolds’ shot hit the bar before he scored from close range with his head.
A few minutes later Platt played the ball to Turner, whose shot was cleared back to him and his header was parried then caught by Horton.
In the 37th minute Malvern had a great chance to double their lead when Reynolds was brought down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty.
Attention was drawn to the fact that Louis Loader was down injured on the halfway line. He received several minutes treatment before being stretchered to the touchline.
Reynolds finally stepped up to take the penalty but his shot to the keeper’s left was parried away by Horton.
The fog thickened in the second half, making it difficult for the crowd to see the players.
In the 49th minute Nathan Hayward’s free kick found Reynolds but his shot was saved by Horton.
Eleven minutes later Platt made good ground before shooting just wide before soon afterwards Turner’s shot clipped the outside of the post.
Malvern then saw out the remainder of the game without alarm.