MALVERN Town had to settle for a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw at AFC Bridgnorth in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

After a cagey opening Malvern keeper Charlie Weaver saved a snap-shot from close range before Dane Aldington fired over at the other end.

Town started to see more of the ball but following a period of pressure the hosts went ahead when a low strike was pushed out by Weaver and gobbled up on the rebound.

New Malvern arrival Peter Smith put in a low cross that was almost turned into his own net by a home defender late in the half and then Matt Turner curled a free-kick into the defensive wall.

Town levelled just before the hour mark when Turner's low ball across the face of goal from the left was converted by Harry Clark.

Turner then hesitated and allowed the home keeper to claw the ball away when presented with a chance to put Malvern ahead.

James Febery headed a corner straight at the keeper before Curtis Smith went close on 82 minutes and Clark saw a low strike deflected just wide.

On 88 minutes Curtis Smith set Joshua Hunt away but as he pulled the trigger the keeper blocked to earn Bridgnorth a point.

Co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams said: “Kicking up the hill in the first half, it took us a while to sort out our line.

"We were too deep early on and conceded a disappointing goal where we didn’t close down the initial threat well enough.

“After that we weathered the storm and managed to get ourselves into some good positions but lacked the necessary quality in the final third.

“This is always a tough place to come to but we had a good go at it in the second half and created some decent chances to win it only to find their keeper in good form to keep his side in it.

“Peter Smith came into the side for his debut and did well while young George Watkins moved the ball well and kept things nice and simple in the middle of the park.

“I was happy with certain aspects of our performance. We’ll take the point because not many teams will come here and get anything this season.”

Twelfth-placed Malvern return to home league action on Saturday against Shawbury United (3pm) before going to Dudley Town on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Malvern: Weaver, C Smith, Griffiths, J Sauntson, A Sauntson, Aldington (Watkins 46), Turner (M Pinder 83), Febery, Hunt, Clark, P Smith (Lane 86). Subs not used: Jarvis, Fusco.