MANAGER Les Jones believes Malvern Town face their toughest pre-season test so far when they host Hereford rivals Westfields tonight (7.30pm).

Town produced an encouraging display in a 1-1 home friendly draw with Bishop’s Cleeve on Tuesday.

Malvern opened the scoring in the first-half through Lee Hooper’s header from Bryan Craven’s corner.

Higher-ranked Cleeve drew level in the second period from a controversial penalty.

Jones was pleased with the displays of midfielder Harry Wickett, defender Joe Endacott and full-back Lewis Platt among others.

Midfielder Anthony Smith has returned to the West Midlands League Premier Division club after working away.

Jones said: “I’m really pleased with how pre-season is going and, with Craven and Louis Loader back, we will be stronger than last season. Westfields will probably be the strongest team we’ve faced so far.”

Dave Reynolds and Sam Rathbone should return but defender Jamie Thomas misses out due to work, while midfielder Reece King is on trial with Hereford.

Malvern host Sporting Khalsa in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on August 15.

They visit Shifnal Town in the FA Vase first qualifying round on September 5 and will host Coleshill Town in the FA Youth Cup preliminary round.