MANAGER Les Jones believes Malvern Town are in good shape despite seeing Joe Endacott ruled out for most of the season during a 6-0 walloping at the weekend.

The defender damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday’s defeat at Sporting Khalsa when Jamie Thomas was controversially sent off inside the first 15 minutes.

Endacott is now facing more than three months on the sidelines at a time when striker Bryan Craven is also out long term with a knee injury.

But Jones remains upbeat and reckons Town, who are sixth in the West Midlands Football League Premier Division, can approach 2015 with optimism, starting at home to leaders Bridgnorth tomorrow (3pm).

Midfield duo Reece King and Kirk Layton and defender Aaron Richards will all serve one-match bans.

But Town are set to be boosted by the return of midfielders Harry Wickett and Jake Hollylee as well as the arrival of striker Luke Corbett on loan from Stourport Swifts.

Jones said: “We have still got a good side and I think it will be competitive against Bridgnorth.

“It’s going to be tough because they are one of the best sides in the league but I am confident we will give a decent account of ourselves. We have had a really good first half of the season with a few negatives, like playing more games than anyone else and picking up injuries, but I would say we are in good shape for the new year.”

On the defeat to Sporting Khalsa, he added: “I was absolutely delighted with our performance in the circumstances. I was pleased with our attitude.

“They are the best side in the league and had won 10 out of 10 at home prior to the match, so it would have been a tough ask to get a result even with 11 players. I will write it off and move on.”

Endacott was carried off early on against Sporting and Jones said: “He could be out for the rest of the season, but he’s certainly a long-term injury.”

Malvern, who are level on points with fifth spot, have played 27 games this season, at least three more than any other team and eight more than second-placed Khalsa.

Meanwhile, Powick Rangers host Wyrley Reserves tomorrow at Malvern Vale Community Centre in Division Two (2pm).

The seventh-placed villagers have their sights set on the top four after a 4-2 win at Tipton Youth last weekend.