MALVERN Town Reserves slipped to a 5-1 defeat in difficult conditions at Clee Hill United in the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division.

With poor visibility and a heavy pitch, Town started well and forced the home keeper into two good saves in the opening 25 minutes.

At the other end Josh King did well to thwart the hosts but generally Malvern looked the better team as they continued to press.

The visitors went close on the stroke of half-time but failed to capitalise upon their chances and were made to pay after the restart when Clee Hill hit five goals in 20 minutes with clinical finishing.

Malvern grabbed a consolation goal late on when Russ Tonks found the net.

“The final scoreline flattered our hosts,” admitted manager Peter Daffin.

“Their ‘keeper played a blinder during the opening period and then they were clinical after the break.

“We have five players out injured at the moment but the youngsters from the under 18s stepped in and all of them put in good performances.

“I was surprised the game was allowed to continue if I’m being honest because the conditions started off bad and then got worse as the game went on.

"There were times when you couldn’t even see 20 yards in front of you. But we’ll learn from this and be ready to go again in our next game.”

Malvern's next league match is at home to Kingstone Rovers on Saturday, January 5.