MALVERN Town were denied by a late equaliser as they drew with Dudley Sports in the West Midlands League Premier Division for the second time this season.

Les Jones’ side were held 2-2 at the HDanywhere Community Stadium this time after finishing level at 0-0 in the Black Country last September.

Malvern had the best of the early chances at home with Dudley’s Connor Stephenson clearing off the line in the seventh minute after Sam Rathbone fired Dave Reynolds’ pass past advancing keeper Dominic Richards.

All that was lacking from Ben Hayes’ cross, after he latched onto Reece King’s pass and raced to the by-line in the 26th minute, was a final touch.

But Sports went ahead two minutes later when Shepherd Machinguala shot against the bar with the ball falling for Lewis Craig to drive home.

It only took Malvern a minute to equalise when Hayes played the ball to Matt Turner, who slotted home.

Turner’s deflected shot was parried by Richards and soon after the forward headed wide from Hayes’ cross.

Richards showed good handling to catch a Rathbone cross as Malvern finished the first-half on top.

Sixth-placed Town had a strong wind in their favour in the second period but failed to take full advantage.

Turner and Hayes put a good move together in the 50th minute but the shot was blocked.

Rathbone delivered a dangerous cross five minutes later with no decisive touch.

However, Malvern earned a 70th-minute free-kick and Reynolds used the wind to curl a ferocious shot into the net.

Three minutes later, Reynolds sent in a curling corner but Richards pushed it out.

Then the same player found himself one-on-one with the keeper but his shot was caught.

Rathbone went close and Reynolds’ overhead kick flew wide as Town searched for a third goal to secure the points.

But they were hit by a sucker-punch when the ball was played over the defence and substitute Brett Marshall fired in 11th-placed Dudley’s equaliser.

In the last minute, Hooper’s 40-yard shot was fumbled by Richards but he grabbed the ball at the second attempt.

Malvern keeper Chas Weaver had to come out and smother the ball as Sports went close to snatching the victory.

The under 21s lost 3-2 at Stafford in Division Two and host Kington Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Title-chasing Powick Rangers secured a 4-3 win at Newport Town and remained one point behind leaders Darlaston Town with two games in hand.

They visit third-placed Kington tomorrow (3pm).

Bromyard Town return to Division One action tomorrow at home to Stone Old Alleynians (3pm).