MALVERN Town moved six points clear at the top of the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division following this victory against lowly Smethwick at the Langland Stadium on Tuesday night.

MALVERN TOWN 4, SMETHWICK ST 0

It was striker Dean Roberts who was the Town hero, registering his second successive hat-trick as well taking his goal tally to nine in his last five appearances.

Town also fielded new signing Nathan Jukes and the ex Worcester City, Evesham and Stourport mid fielder was always prominent in the best of Town's play.

Lee Hooper set up Roberts for Town's opening goal after 16 minutes and Andy Chalmers long ball out of defence enabled Luke Willetts to power his was through and secure Town's second strike just five minutes later.

But although two good chances were spurned by Scott Morris, and the crossbar denied both the same player and Roberts, Smethwick weathered the storm and as Malvern were found guilty of over elaboration, Smethwick came increasingly into the picture.

But aside from an excellent 57th minute save from Town keeper Adam Moss, their play lacked a cutting edge and the Malvern goal was never seriously threatened again.

Despite Town lacking the flair that has characterised recent performances, goals are never in short supply at the Langland Stadium these days, and an excellent cross in the 80th minute from substitute Gordy Beauchamp was met superbly by Roberts who headed powerfully home to record Malvern's 100th goal in competitive football so far this season.

Five minutes later the talismatic centre forward completed his hat-trick, when a typically determined run and shot ended up in the back of the net, and as Roberts celebrated another hat-trick, Town hopefully took another step towards promotion to the Midlands Alliance.

After the game Town boss Neil Hunt said: "It wasn't our best performance of the season, but it was so important that we picked up the three points as we are without a game this Saturday. This now puts the pressure back on Tipton and Kington this Saturday, before we visit Tipton in what looks like a huge game on February 7."