There were all manner of excuses available to the Old Malvernian First XI at the weekend as a fixture originally scheduled for Barnes was switched to Watford on the morning of the match after heavy rain on Friday rendered the Barn Elms pitches unplayable. For a squad largely based in South-West London, the inconvenience caused for a game of huge significance in the race for promotion was felt by all, but it didn’t appear to affect the players.
The fixture switch also allowed Aldenham to call on a much stronger squad, including their first choice goalkeeper now being available, but it was the away side who started the brighter. After a couple of threatening attacks down the right, Malvern took the lead midway through the first half as Peter Ford’s driven cross from the right was turned into the net by Charlie Gifford for the 24th goal of the youngster’s remarkable season.
However, Old Aldenhamians grew into the game and equalised ten minutes later after a through ball released Patrick Harding, who had largely been kept quiet by Jake Robbins. Will Stephenson began to come out for the ball but then hesitated, and Harding rolled the ball calmly into the bottom corner of the net. Aldenham dominated the period just before half-time, and deservedly took the lead when another attack found their forward in space inside the area, and his powerful finish flew high into the top corner.
Half time was used to stress the importance of keeping possession, and restricting the opposition’s time on the ball, and the Old Malvernians responded well, beginning the second half with purpose. The backline of Robbins, Josh Hughes, captain Ed Ford and Arthur Vaughan/James Bath were largely dealing well with the passing style of the home side. Will Gifford, Alex Richardson, Leon Kirchhoff and Will Murtagh were working hard in midfield and the game was far from lost as the OMs looked dangerous going forward.
However, Aldenham squandered a great chance to extend their lead, as when clean through on goal their striker tried to lob Stephenson, who refused to be kidded, standing up well to gratefully catch the tame effort. Sixty seconds later, the OMs were level. A swift counter attack found Ayo Afolabi in space just inside opposition territory, and his slide rule pass released Tom James through on goal. Not normally known for his composure, he was calmness personified as he rounded the goalkeeper and finished well from an acute angle.
With momentum behind them, Malvern took the lead ten minutes later as Gifford junior chased a lost cause to win a corner. William Murtagh’s inswinging delivery was met by a towering leap at the back post from Afolabi. The forward has at times not been at his sharpest this season, but he was at his brilliant best on this day, terrorising the opposition with his skill and pace, and working tirelessly to track back and help out the full backs. 3-2 up with a quarter of an hour to go and the game was on the line, but it was Afolabi who aptly sealed the win. James’ deflected pass found him in space all alone inside the area, and he rolled the ball nonchalantly into the corner to spark wild celebrations from all connected to Malvern.
The victory moves the OM First XI into the second promotion spot behind runaway leaders Shrewsbury, but crucially ahead of rivals Aldenham and Old Bradfieldians on goal difference, with games in hand. They will go into their top of the table clash against old foes Salopians this week in high spirits. The club’s unprecedented ‘Double Promotion’ season is still very much on.
