WITHOUT a goalkeeper, Malpas found themselves cruelly exposed as hosts Golborne Sports claimed a 6-0 triumph on Saturday.

Left-back Richard Desmond bravely deputised between the sticks and for 25 minutes the game was pretty even, with Malpas having the best chance to take the lead when Luke Woollam was clean through, only to lob over the crossbar.

Golborne then took the lead, and within five minutes were 3-0 up. By half-time it was 4-0.

Malpas went out to restore pride in the second half and looked likely to succeed before the referee awarded a penalty in the 80th minute for a hand-ball against Steve Watkins.

Golborne scored from the spot and then followed it up five minutes from time with another goal.

Malpas manager Mark Jones said: 'Having limped out of the Ethelston Cup last Monday, we always knew this was a tough ask. We worked hard in spells, but the three-goal spell in the first half demoralised us.

'We still have work to do in an effort to avoid the bottom two so the players must motivate themselves.'

Malpas visit Curzon Ashton Reserves tomorrow.