Southern League Return for Malvern

Highworth Town’s five-season spell in the Pitching In Southern League came to an end today as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at the Save On Tyres Stadium against Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division runners-up Malvern Town in the Inter-Step 4/5 Division One Central play-off final.

The Worthians started well enough and Dan Grieve forced a decent save from Malvern `keeper Keiron Blackburn after just 5 minutes.

But seconds later, home keeper James Walker made a fine one-on-one save from Lewis Spurrier.

Then, on 28 minutes, Highworth took the lead when a Grieve cross was converted by Ashley Edenborough at the far post.

Just 3 minutes later, however, Malvern were back on level terms when, after Walker had made a fine save from the initial effort, the ball came back off the bar for Matt Turner to tap in from close range.

All-square at the break, but only 9 minutes after the restart, the visitors were awarded a penalty for handball and Turner smashed the spot-kick past Walker.

Then, on 79 minutes, Malvern extended their lead with a neat finish from Spurrier.

And then 4 minutes into stoppage time, Turner made it 4-1 to complete a hat-trick for him and a great day for the Worcestershire side, who return to the Southern League for the first time since 2009.

As for Highworth? It’s back to Step 5 and presumably back to the Hellenic League.

Highworth Town Web Site