DAVE Reynolds levelled nine minutes from time as Malvern Town drew 1-1 at 10-man Black Country Rangers.

Town would have taken a draw before the West Midlands League Premier Division game against their fellow high-fliers.

But they enjoyed more of the play without creating enough chances, particularly after the hosts' red card for violent conduct close to half-time.

Rangers took an early lead after keeper Niall Hacking pushed over an Adam Fincher near-post cross.

From the resulting corner, Hacking could only punch the ball, which hit Malvern's Joe Endacott and Rangers' Nick Turton before finding the net.

Sixth-placed Malvern quickly hit back and Reynolds fired over Kirk Layton's cross before the same two players combined for Matthew Turner to head off target.

Reynolds nodded Phil Harris' cross wide on 25 minutes before a frantic moment at the other end.

Keeper Hacking brought down Liam Hughes just outside the box but Rangers' free-kick went over the bar.

Home keeper Luke Tilt held a shot from Reynolds, who then fired another effort off target.

A minute before half-time, the assistant referee spotted an incident, which saw Rangers' John Cordy sent off for throwing an alleged punch.

Malvern continued to pursue an equaliser against 10 men with Reynolds immediately forcing Tilt into a tip-over.

The Town forward then shot over in the second-half and Reece King's effort was scrambled off the line by the keeper.

Substitute Jake Holylee hit the Rangers post 16 minutes before time.

But Malvern finally found the leveller on 81 minutes when Reynolds deflected in a mishit shot from another sub Sam Rathbone.

Town visit promoted Shrewsbury side Haughmond in the league on Saturday (3pm) before tackling Dudley Town away next Wednesday (7.45pm).

Meanwhile, Bromyard Town kept up their three-point lead at the top of West Midlands League Division One after a 3-1 win at Trysull.

They visit Ellistown and Ibstock United in the FA Vase second qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

Sixth-placed Powick Rangers, who entertain Red Star Alma on Saturday (3pm), drew 1-1 with Stafford in Division Two.