SHORTWOOD United lost 3-1 to Malvern Town in the Hellenic Football League at Meadowbank last Tuesday.

Three goals in the opening 20 minutes cost Shortwood as Malvern came out all guns blazing, but the home side recovered to take the game to Town in the second half when they pulled one back and saw an effort from Nathan Payne smack the Woodwork.

Shortwood were dealt a blow when Lee Bowles had to pull out of the game in the pre-match warm up and then lost Tom Hoskins to injury after 45 minutes.

Goals from Adam Sauntson, Joe Bates and Joe Billingham gave the away side the points, before Luke Soule scored a consolation goal for Blythe’s men.

Coach Mat Blythe said: “I couldn’t fault the work rate and attitude of the players tonight.”