MALVERN Town Reserves started their Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Kington Town.

Town, featuring nine new faces, started slowly and a defensive error handed the hosts a 24th-minute lead.

But the goal kickstarted Malvern who dominated possession without troubling the keeper.

And Kington broke onto a loose ball to double the advantage just before half-time.

Malvern improved in the second period with Luke Gaffney driving forward from midfield to beat three players and reduce the arrears on 65 minutes.

New signing Will Saunders impressed on his debut and along with Shaq Tulloch and Gaffney bossed the midfield while Tom Emblem caused problems out wide.

Owen Lane looks set to be ruled out for a few weeks with a foot injury.

Malvern visit Holme Lacy on Saturday (2.30pm).

Meanwhile, Welland progressed through the Midland Football League's Challenge Vase first round with a 2-1 win at AFC Solihull.

Dan Sullivan and Omar Elmougy netted for Welland who recovered from an early red card for Sean Smith.

In the same competition Upton Town went down 1-0 at home to WLV Sport.

Welland head to Sutton United in the Les James Challenge Cup on Saturday (3pm).

Malvern Vale Firsts and Hanley Swan meet on Saturday in the Cheltenham League Division One opener at Dyson Perrins Academy (1.45pm).

Welland Reserves host Gala Wilton Reserves in Division Two (2.30pm).

Malvern Vale Reserves head to Tewkesbury Athletic in the Minor Charity Cup first round.

The Malvern Soccersixes League is adding a new division on Monday evenings.

Games are played from 7.30pm until 9.30pm at Dyson Perrins Academy.

Anyone interested can call 07528 380094 or visit soccersixes.net.