DAVE Reynolds is open to a permanent return to Worcester City next season after proving that even his rear end has the Midas touch.

The ex-City hotshot made an instant impact in his one-off appearance in the Worcestershire Senior Urn final, notching both in a 2-2 draw with Studley before scoring in the 6-5 penalty shootout success.

Reynolds left Worcester for Redditch United in September but having found first-team chances limited at the Valley Stadium opted to get game time at hometown club Malvern Town.

Having remained registered with City he was eligible for Thursday’s showpiece and racked up his 35th and 36th strikes in blue and white, the last of which being an instinctive swing after Joe Bates had slammed a free-kick against his buttock with four minutes remaining.

“I was claiming it was a great touch off my backside but it was the same for both goals, the ball dropped in the box and I was there to put them away,” said Reynolds.

“I probably should have got the second five or 10 minutes earlier but hit it straight at the keeper. Fortunately I had the chance to redeem myself and did that.

“It was nice to be back out there and to put on the shirt, I have missed it and playing for Snapper (City manager John Snape) especially.

“He is a top bloke so it was nice to win it for him. It was not perfect but we got the result which was all that mattered.

“We knew they would be a decent side that worked hard and in a cup final, anything can happen. We knew we would be in a game, we have a lot of young lads and that might have been their first final in a lot of cases so nerves can play a part.

“Our focus was on trying to play our football and matching their work rate, at times we overplayed and gave away the ball but the hard work paid off in the end.”


On the prospect of a City return, Reynolds added: “After I left Redditch I just wanted to get back fit and playing football so Malvern was the perfect fit.

“I always told Snapper that if there were any midweek slots or times when Malvern didn’t have a game then I would happily be involved, not necessarily to play if he didn't need me.

“He gave me a call and whenever that happens I am always happy to pick up. Hopefully something will happen in the future, we will see but I will be finishing the season with Malvern.”

Meanwhile, Reynolds saved the last word for creative catalyst and City skipper on the night Liam Lockett.

“He is a fantastic player with a great future ahead of him, plus he’s a really nice lad as well,” said Reynolds.

“Lifting the trophy at the end is something that will stay with him until he retires and he deserved it for the way he played.

“He gets into areas, wriggles his way through and makes things happen. Both of my goals came through things he did and with players like that in your team you’re always going to get chances to score goals.”