HIGHWORTH Town have been relegated into the Hellenic League Premier Division following a 4-1 defeat to Malvern Town in their inter-step play-off match on Saturday.

The Worthians have suffered a difficult season in Southern League Division One Central - with a great deal of extra travelling not helping the Wiltshire side's cause.

But after finishing in the final relegation play-off place after 36 regular-season matches, Highworth were given one final chance to retain their status as a step-four outfit.

Despite Highworth taking the lead at the Save on Tyres Stadium, Malvern roared back to gain victory and swap places with Gareth Davies' men.

Dan Grieve produced the first meaningful shot of the game just five minutes in, but Malvern stopper Kieron Blackburn pushed the effort away. Up the other end, James Walker kept out a visiting striker one-on-one only a minute or so later.

With a tight and nervy start behind them, Highworth took the lead in the 28th minute when Grieve looped in a left-footed cross and the experienced Ash Edenborough was at the far post to divert home.

But just three minutes later, the Worcestershire outfit levelled after Walker made a superb initial save onto the bar, but the ball dropped down to Matt Turner who slammed in from a yard.

Turner then doubled his tally from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half following a handball decision against the hosts.

Highworth were frantically chasing the game, but with 12 minutes to play, Malvern gained some breathing room as Lewis Spurrier grabbed their third goal.

And deep into added time, Turned completed his hat-trick to wrap up an emphatic result for Malvern while consigning Highworth to step five and a local derby with Royal Wootton Bassett Town.