Match Preview – Malvern Town vs Wimborne Town

 

Just seven Saturdays remain in what is brewing up into an exciting run-in in our division. Fourteen teams, out of nineteen, have a realistic shout of bagging at least a play-off spot. Wimborne, current leaders of the pack, have an eye on that one automatic promotion place. Malvern, Saturday’s opponents, are a mere five points behind fifth-placed Manor Farm but with three games in hand. So this fixture has all the makings of being a competitive game between two teams both wanting all three points.

 

Of The Magpies remaining games, four are at New Cuthbury, and four on the road. This 150-mile trip to Worcestershire is our second-longest of the season. Fortunately it’s not a Bank Holiday weekend like The Hillsiders had to endure when they made their first ever visit to us back in August. That Saturday early goals by Lewis Beale and Harry Baker secured all three points.

 

 

Malvern currently lie twelfth with a W10 D5 L10 GF 48 GA 43 record, at home it’s W7 D3 L4. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that their home record has got better and better as the season has progressed. In their last nine home games they’ve won seven and drawn one – the only defeat being 3-2 by Evesham on Boxing Day. In 2024 at home they’ve won three: Manor Farm (1-0), Exmouth (3-0) and Bishops Cleeve (2-0), and drawn with Yate (0-0). You may have spotted that The Hillsiders haven’t conceded a goal at home this calendar year, and have kept clean sheets in five of their last six games! They’re fourth in the current form table with a W4 D1 L1 record.

 

Two of Malvern’s summer signings from Stourport Swifts are banging in the goals – Jordan Annear and Jack Watts. Watts has five in the last four games, and is our division’s joint leading scorer with fifteen. He’s a serial scorer, as non-league fans will recall from his days at Bishops Cleeve.

 

 

Malvern who have a 3G pitch, were runners-up to Cribbs in the Hellenic Premier last season beating Highworth Town in the inter-step play-off to gain promotion to Southern One South. The club had previously had a couple of seasons at Step 4 level, Southern League Division One Midlands, in the late “noughties”.

 

Malvern’s joint managers are Lee Hooper and Steve Cleal. Hooper is Malvern through and through, a former captain of the team; Cleal will be a familiar face to non-league followers from his time in charge at Bishops Cleeve and Cinderford Town.

 

If you were impressed by the stats about Malvern, then you’ll be even more so by Wimborne’s. Currently top of the table with a W18 D6 L4 GF 60 GA 32 record, on the road it’s W7 D3 L4 (exactly the same as Malvern’s home record). Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that The Magpies are the division’s leading scorers, have the second best defensive record, have the division’s best away record including winning their last five away games – Exmouth (4-1), Paulton (2-0), Manor Farm (2-1), Yate (2-0) and Mousehole (3-1), are on an eight game undefeated run, and are top of the current form table.

 

 

Manager Tim Sills was true to his word in the team he sent out for the Dorset Senior Cup tie on Tuesday. Harry Baker, Connor Cocklin and Jack Hoey all played ninety minutes, while Scott Arnold and Josh Carmichael impressed in their time on the pitch. Sam Roberts remains an injury doubt, while Jez Bedford could be close to a recall. The 3G pitch may be a factor in Tim’s team selection.

 

Two teams in good form and full of confidence playing on a flat surface – it’s going to be a cracker!

 

Malvern’s ground: Langland Avenue, Malvern, Worcestershire  WR14 2EQ

Average league attendance: 312

Admission costs: Adults £10; concessions £6; Under 16s £1 with paying adult – U16s only admitted with paying adult.

There are a few places available on the team coach – contact Paula if you’re interested.

Weather forecast: cloudy; 10oC; 50% chance of rain.