MALVERN Town were held to a 0-0 draw at 10-man Smethwick in West Midlands League Premier Division.

With the wind in their favour in the first half, visitors Town failed to convert their chances and were unable to make numerical advantage count when Joe Clarke saw red on 70 minutes.

Kyonn Evans was presented with the first opportunity on 10 minutes. The striker was put through one-on-one with keeper Gavin Uppal, but he took too many touches and the ball was smothered.

Seven minutes later, Louis Loader took a throw-in to Kirk Layton who crossed the ball to Matt Fusco but his shot went wide.

Town dominated the opening period, but they failed to find the net as Matthew Turner spurned another chance five minutes before the break.

The travelling fans feared their side could be punished after a goalless first 45 minutes, but Malvern remained on the front foot and dealt with any advances from Smethwick.

The home side suffered a blow when Clarke scythed down Shaun Smith leaving the referee no choice but to show him a second yellow card.

With 10 minutes left, Town pushed for a winner, but Turner shot just over the crossbar before Uppal denied Evans who got on the end of Chris Parker's cross.

In the final minute, the ball fell to Josh Weatherby, but his shot was pushed out for a corner by Uppal as Smethwick clung on for a point.