MALVERN Town Reserves gave a great account of themselves in the Worcestershire FA Saturday Junior Cup final against higher-ranked Droitwich Spa but ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.

Town took the game to their opponents from the start and never gave them time on the ball as they closed down quickly and played a high press.

With 21 minutes on the clock Malvern deservedly took the lead when a corner from Jack Cullity found its way onto the net.

Shortly afterwards they had a big call for a penalty but the referee waved away the appeals.

Then another corner caused problems as Matt Brookes got in a towering header that was scrambled off the line.

The conditions were difficult at Pershore Town but both teams tried to play some decent football.

With 20 minutes to go a lapse in concentration gifted Malvern's opponents an equaliser through Ben Tilbury and Spa increased the pressure.

Town defended resolutely to keep them at bay but with just under 10 minutes to go a mix-up in the back-line was seized upon by Matt Hunt as Droitwich edged in front.

“We competed extremely well against a team from two levels above us,” said a proud manager Peter Daffin.

“We never looked out of place and in the end it was a couple of mistakes which cost us.

“I could not have asked for any more from my players. They worked hard and gave it everything they’ve got.

“This was our final game of a season which has seen a number of under 18 players get involved in this level of football with the reserve team being an important stepping stone on their way into senior football.

“It was good to see three under 18 players start and another come on as a substitute which bodes well for the club and for their education in the game.”