UPTON Town started their Cheltenham Association League Division One season with a 4-0 defeat at Gala Wilton Reserves.

Town had key players missing and Gala, who were able to field a first team, produced a dominant first-half display.

After two early goals, the Gloucester hosts settled and played the ball around superbly before scoring twice more late in the period.

Player-manager Simon Craddock made a tactical change and Town pressed higher up in the second-half, forcing errors from Gala.

Debutant Harry Blood had Upton’s best effort of the game when he hit the side-netting with a powerful drive from 18 yards.

With a large squad, Gala could make changes and put on late pressure but determined defending and a few good saves made for an acceptable second-half display for Town.

They host Barometrics Reserves tomorrow (3pm) and Gala Wilton Reserves on Tuesday (6pm) at The Hill Centre.

Meanwhile, Malvern Vale are urgently looking for players aged 16 and over interested in playing Saturday afternoon adult football.

The club have two sides in the Cheltenham League and games kick off at 3pm.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Steve Dallow on 07758-257071.