MALVERN TOWN’s incredible run of form continued as they picked up their ninth straight win in an enthralling 4-3 victory over Stone Old Alleynians.
In what was the Hillsiders’ final home game of the season, two goals each for Dave Reynolds and Luke Corbett ensured they maintained their hopes of a third place finish in the West Midlands (Regional) Premier Division.
The last time the two sides met, Malvern came out on top in a nine-goal thriller which saw Les Jones’ run out 5-4 winners and, in the reverse fixture, fans were treated to another goal fest at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
But it was Alleynians who went ahead in the ninth minute.
After Malvern lost the ball in the middle of the park, it was played out to Sam Chilvers who struck a shot which deflected over Charlie Weaver and into the back of the net.
Despite the early setback, Malvern regrouped and drew level in the 29th minute when Bryan Craven set up Corbett to head the ball home at the back post.
Two minutes later Malvern almost took the lead but Reece King could only head wide Craven’s corner to keep the score at 1-1 going into the break.
Following the interval, Jones’ side started with an increased tempo and took all of five minutes to take the lead.
When the ball was played into the box, Reynolds’ pace allowed him to beat Alleynians keeper Matthew Burslem to the ball to head home.
Reynolds got his second goal of the game in the 57th minute when he nodded home the rebound from his initial shot which was well saved by Burslem.
However, the drama was not over as Alleynians pulled a goal back in the 70th minute after an inswinging corner was bundled over the line by Heard.
And ten minutes later Alleynians completed the comeback when Heard headed home to grab his second goal of the game.
But just as Alleynians thought they salvaged something from the game, Malvern regained the lead in the 84th minute when Aaron Richards crossed to Corbett to fire home to secure the win for Jones’ side.
Malvern were due to play their final league game of the season away at Wellington Amateurs last night (Tuesday).