YOUNG striker Matt Pinder has admitted he is “really happy” to sign for Malvern Town, writes Ieuan Ivett.

The 19-year-old has joined the club from Stourport Swifts and did not take long to show the Malvern fans what he’s about.

He scored a late winner on his debut in the 2-1 success over Shifnal Town in the West Midlands Premier Division League Cup last week.

Pinder admitted: “Scoring the winner was great because it helped me to settle straight in. It’s nice to have that feeling back as well.

“I’m looking forward to playing games which is what I need at my age.

“Signing for a team who are up the top of the league and still competing in three cup competitions is obviously good.”

Scoring goals has always been a big part of Pinder’s game, finishing as top scorer for his old under 18s side AFC Rushden and Diamonds for two consecutive seasons.

He continued: “I’d like to think I can bring goals and work-rate once I get back to full fitness.”

However, the young striker is still looking to develop his game, explaining: “I definitely need to work on my heading and to get some consistency in my performances.

“That’ll hopefully come with more minutes on the pitch.”

Pinder is settling into Malvern life well and added: “The lads are a good laugh, there’s some good banter too.

“I’m really looking forward to the rest of this season.”

Malvern’s next league fixture is on Saturday, February 11, at Shifnal Town where Pinder will look to replicate that dream debut facing the same defence.

But first they have a Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup quarter-final at home to Paget Rangers on Wednesday (7.45pm).