LES JONES says he is looking forward this week’s quarter-final clash against Wolverhampton Sporting Community in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division Cup.
The Hillsiders boss is relishing the challenge of travelling to the Black Country to take on one of the tournament favourites tomorrow (Wednesday) night, knowing progression means a semi-final tie against either Smethwick or Wellington.
Sporting hammered Malvern 6-2 in the league last September so Jones is aware of the challenge which lies ahead.
Bryan Craven (toe), Mason Mansfield (back) and keeper Charlie Weaver (finger) are doubts for the game.
“It’s going to be a really tough game for us,” he said.
“They are second in the league and have a really good team but we are looking forward to it.
“These kind of games are just what we want but they have home advantage so everything is against us.
“However, on our day we are more than capable of beating anyone so we will see what happens.”
Malvern go into tomorrow’s clash on the back of Saturday’s 3-1 league victory over Black Country Rangers.
Lewis Platt opened the scoring for Jones’ side after 42 minutes before a clever chipped finish by Tyree Clarke levelled the score after the break.
Paul Edwards then restored Malvern’s lead after 68 minutes before Dave Reynolds completed the scoring two minutes from time.
Ater successive defeats to Dudley Sports and basement side Gornal Athletic, Jones was happy to see his side return to winning ways.
“We needed the three points after two disappointing league performances,” he added.
“It was important for us to get back to winning in the league against a good Rangers side.
“The pleasing thing was they could have caused us some problems after two successive defeats but the lads put in a good shift to get the points.”
New signing Josh Weatherby, who arrived from Bromyard Town, was given his debut on Saturday as he came on from the bench in the second period.
The 21-year-old impressed on his first appearance for the Hillsiders and Jones is hoping for more of the same.
“He did really well for us after coming off from the bench,” he said.
“We were delighted to give him some minutes as he has not played much Saturday football but he gives us attacking options.
“He’s a really good goalscorer and hopefully he will bring some goals to us.”
After the cup game against Sporting Community, Malvern return to league action on Saturday when they welcome Stone Old Alleynians to the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
Alleynians beat the Hillsiders 3-1 on Boxing Day and Jones is hoping to avenge that defeat.
“Black Country Rangers beat us at their place and we turned that around so we will want to do the same against Stone Old Alleynians,” he said.
“We have to take each game as it comes first though so we will get the cup fixture out the way first before focusing on our next league games.”