MALVERN maintained their two goal advantage at the top of the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division, following this hard earnt, but deserved success at home to Tividale on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN 3, TIVIDALE 2

Town opened the scoring after only five minutes when Phil Preedy threaded the ball through to brother Duncan, who in turn slipped the ball past John Carmicheal in the visitors goal.

But the visitors hit back strongly and only a Nick Clayton goal line clearance kept his sides lead intact, but nothing could stop Stuart Payne's excellent solo effort that put his side back on level terms in the 17th minute.

Malvern though were quick to respond and Phil Preedy scored an equally impressive goal in the 27th minute to put his side back in front.

Things got better for Town just five minutes later when Des Cox latched on to a Rik Halion header and fired the ball past the helpless Carmicheal to give his side a two goal advantage.

Town were now looking likely to go on and run up an impressive scoreline, but on the stroke of half time Adam Chester headed a free kick powerfully home to give his side a lifeline.

The second half saw Malvern create the better chances and Cox twice and Scott Morris might have extended their lead, but the visitors were always dangerous on the break without ever really creating another clear cut chance, as Town held on to secure another vital three points.

After the game Town boss Neil Hunt said: "We were poor at the back during the first half and made life hard for ourselves after conceding a soft goal just before the interval, but we were much stronger second half and were prepared to dig out a win, which is always a good sign."