AFTER two blank Saturdays, Rangers travelled to the home of Handrahan Timbers where they were seeking revenge for their only West Midlands League division two defeat to date against Dudley United.

DUDLEY UNITED 1, MALVERN RANGERS 3

Whilst the performance itself wasn't the best, it was certainly competent enough to comfortably warrant the three points.

Rangers started brightly with captain Steve Walker hitting the inside of the post after only three minutes with keeper Paul Ladbrooke stranded.

They did however take the lead after only ten minutes play. Sam Black, restored to the starting line up after injury, went on a strong run from the half-way line and scored well inside the far post.

After 17 minutes Sam Black shot narrowly wide of the post before Ross Sanders saved from Gareth Thomas.

However, Dudley equalised on 19 minutes when Joe Hawks coolly lobbed the ball over Ross Sanders coming in from the left-hand side of the penalty area.

Rangers regained the lead after 23 minutes when a right-sided attack saw Sam Black play the ball into Mark Taylor and it almost seemed to hit him and wrong foot Ladbrooke to end up in the back of the net.

On 35 minutes, a good move involving a number of players saw Steve Walker's right-footed shot go wide of the post before just three minutes later, another good move saw Mark Taylor head wide at the far post.

Three minutes before the interval, a great run and cross by Paul Henry saw Jermain Ross head wide when well positioned.

Just one minute later, another good run by Sam Black saw both Danny White and then Neil Bond fail to hit the target in the same movement.

Rangers dominated the bulk of the second half without being able to turn their supremacy into goals.

After just four minutes, a Steve Walker free kick was held up by Danny White before Neil Bond headed over at the far post.

Ten minutes later, an excellent free-kick saw Mark Tipton play the ball to Danny White, who played it wide to Mark Taylor, whose cross into the middle found Sam Black but he was ruled offside.

Rangers did score a decisive third goal after 25 minutes from another free-kick. Mark Tipton played the ball to Steve Walker, Mark Taylor was brought into play and he laid it back to Steve Walker who rifled a left-footed shot low into the far corner.

Rangers were rarely troubled during the rest of the game whilst they always looked dangerous when they went forward.

Joint men of the match were Sam Black and Steve Walker.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Rangers, sponsored by the Cross Keys Inn, are due to play the first of three consecutive home fixtures when they entertain Bromyard Town Reserves in a West Midlands League Division Two fixture, kick -off 2.15pm, players to meet Victoria Park playing fields 1pm.