n Malpas 2

n Egerton 1

EGERTON’S downturn in form continued on Saturday when a defeat at promotion-chasing Malpas made it four successive losses.

The visitors went 2-0 down to their second-placed hosts early on, with Chris Trowbridge’s fine reply not enough to pinch a point.

"The boys did really well and battled for each other," said management team member Ben Smith.

“For an hour, we were comfortable and in charge.

"Unfortunately we couldn't quite find that extra goal we needed, but we can still take plenty of positives from the past two games."

The hosts stormed into a two-goal lead after long shots from Alex Hughes were not closed down on both occasions, leaving Egerton with an uphill task.

Before the break a great switch of play saw Josh Rowley pick out Trowbridge, who beat three players in a run down the wing before cutting inside and sending a shot past the hosts' custodian Connor Tinsley.

Egerton piled on the pressure after the interval, but Malpas' shot-stopper made a string of saves.

The visitors, who lost 3-2 to Malpas after a last-minute goal in the reverse fixture, were unable to find a leveller.

They drop to sixth in League One as a result.

The Yellows turn their attention back to the JA Walton Challenge Cup on Saturday, when they host Cheadle Town reserves in their final Group One fixture, kick off 3pm.

A win could propel them to third in the group, and with it earn a reward of entry to another knockout competition.