HEREFORD Pegasus said that they 'move forwards' after suffering a 7-1 home defeat to promotion rivals Malvern Town.

The defeat was Peggy's first since November and despite losing top spot in the Hellenic Division One West they still remain in good shape for promotion.

On an afternoon to forget at Old School Lane the visitors went ahead through Harry Clark on 17 minutes.

Kyle Panniers drew Pegasus level three minutes later only for Clark to net his second and then George Hayes gave Malvern a 3-1 lead at the break.

Two second half own goals compounded Pegasus' afternoon while Clark completed his hat-trick and Ben Febery made it 7-1.

"I think we learnt a lesson on Saturday but it's not the end of the world and there's a lot of football to be played and there will be a lot of twists," said Pegasus joint manager Dave Cadwallader.

"They (Malvern) are the best side we have played on their day. I watched them against Lads Club and thought that they were poor but when they came to us they punished us for our mistakes.

"We were missing two vital players in Rory Worthing and Jack Lewis who are two lads that give us something extra, are physical and are leaders.

"For the first 20 minutes we were the better side and could have gone ahead but after that they've punished us.

"We are where we are and have to move forwards."

With seven league games to go Pegasus are in second and remain deep in the promotion race.

Cadwallader highlighted the progress his side has made after finishing bottom of the West Midlands Premier last term.

"Last year we were bottom of the West Midlands Premier and this year we are pushing for promotion at the same step so we've made huge strides," added Cadwallader.

"Fingers crossed we can get back to winning ways on Saturday and get our confidence back again and bounce back."