MALVERN Town Development held their nerve to knock holders Ledbury Town out of the HFA Charity Bowl on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Ledbury responded to Alex Bell's second-minute opener with goals from Ryan Dobbins and Josh Burns to take a 2-1 half-time lead before Dwayne Tyndale added a third in the second-half to give the visitors a two-goal cushion at 3-1.

But the home side - backed by over 150 at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium - roared back into life and Bell's second of the afternoon halved the deficit and Hill's close-range finish levelled matters later in the half.

Malvern keeper denied Ledbury a winner right at the death to send the cup tie to penalties where Williams was again the hero, saving a key penalty in the shootout whilst Jake Churchill, Callum Yeates and Ethan Turner scored from the spot to see them through to the semi-finals.

"We showed great character after starting the game well and then finding ourselves 3-1 down,” said co-manager, Peter Daffin.

"We completely dominated the second half and played some great football; the players believed in themselves and showed a never-say-die attitude.

"Alex Bell and Jake Churchill were outstanding. We now progress to the semi-finals and I would like to thank the 150 supporters that turned up to cheer us on. I hope that they enjoyed what was a competitive local derby."

As for Ledbury, it was a disappointing way to see their title defence ended, but their focus this season has and will continue to be on promotion from the Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division. They are still three points behind leaders Wellington having played a game more.

They are back in league action on Saturday with a home game against Gloucester City Reserves.