Paul Collicutt acknowledged that Bishop’s Cleeve “couldn’t get near Malvern” as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Malvern Town at Kayte Lane on Saturday.
The visitors took an early lead through Piers Walton, who finished off a precise lay-off from Joe Tumelty. Malvern doubled their advantage when Sam Clark headed in a cross, assisted once again by captain Tumelty.
Tumelty put in a commanding performance throughout the match, sealing the win with a powerful strike into the net for Malvern’s third goal.
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Bishop’s Cleeve managed to reduce the deficit when Ross Langworthy calmly converted a penalty after striker Harry Williams was fouled by Josh Bishop in the box.
After the game, Collicutt was candid with his squad: “We’ve got our work cut out now. With 16 games left, I’m expecting a massive reaction when we face Melksham next.”
Malvern came out strong early on, nearly scoring inside the first 15 minutes before Jake Lee cleared a header off the line and Levi Francis missed the rebound. Goalkeeper Lewis Clayton was kept busy, making crucial saves to keep his team in the match.
Bishop’s Cleeve showed signs of life on the counterattack, with Toby Holland and Jay Malshanskyj creating chances, though they were ultimately denied by Malvern’s defense.
Malvern controlled the game after going 3-0 up, with Tumelty’s skill and aggression proving decisive throughout. Bishop’s Cleeve’s penalty gave them a spark, but they were unable to mount a comeback in the closing stages.
Despite the loss, Bishop’s Cleeve remain close to the play-off places, trailing by just two points, while Malvern sit second in the league table, 11 points behind leaders Frome.
Next up for Bishop’s Cleeve is an away fixture at Melksham Town on Saturday at 3 pm.
Bishop’s Cleeve lineup: Clayton (captain), Lee, Nelmes, Liddiard (Turner 45), Holland (Langworthy 57), McLean (Jeremiah 45), Williams, Malshanskyj (Keeping 82), Messenger, Davies, Kotwica (McInerney 57).
Malvern Town lineup: Bishop, Payne, Baxter, Johnson, Macdonald, S Clark (Salter 78), Walton (Brunt 71), Tumelty (captain) (Bullock 86), H Clark, King, Francis (Quintas 78).