MALVERN Town finished on the wrong end of a six-goal thriller at the Sumdorne Sports Village as newly-promoted Haughmond claimed a 4-2 victory.
After taking an early lead through Sam Rathbone, Les Jones’ men battled throughout and threatened to snatch a draw when Reece King scored to make it 3-2 late on.
But the hosts, who have been on the crest of a wave since securing promotion from Division One, notched up their fourth goal to clinch a seventh victory of the season.
Malvern would have been looking to consolidate their position in the top five after securing an impressive draw away to title favourites Black Country Rangers last week.
But they almost fell behind within the opening couple of minutes as Dene Whittal-Williams cleared the ball off the line before Dave Howarth’s shot clattered the upright.
This proved to be a wake-up call for Malvern as they opened their account in the sixth minute. King and Bryan Craven exchanged passes before Dave Reynolds’ through ball found Rathbone who hit the back of the net.
The visitors had the chance to double their advantage ten minutes later as Dan Herbert headed Rathbone’s cross back into the path of Craven, but he fired over.
Chas Weaver was also keeping his side in the game as he produced two fine saves. But then a knee injury to Haughmond player Alex Johnson forced the match to be delayed by 20 minutes.
This seemed to affect Malvern as they conceded two goals in the space of five minutes in first half injury time.
Howard slotted home the equaliser before substitute Steve Rogers edged his side in front.
Despite the double blow just before the break, Malvern started the second half strongly although they could not find the finishing touch as Matt Turner failed to turn home Reynolds’ cross.
And Haughmond took full advantage as Carl Rogers scored his side’s third.
Malvern reduced the deficit with 15 minutes remaining when King got on the end of Phill Harris’ long throw.
But the home side finished the match off when Tom Groves’ shot was deflected into the net.