FOLLOWING a morning inspection this local derby went ahead on what was a very good playing surface.

MALVERN TOWN RESERVES 1, MALVERN RANGERS 3

Three very good goals enabled Rangers to take three good points against their local rivals in what was one of only three fixtures that survived the weather.

Rangers had a glorious opportunity to take the lead as early as the fourth minute when Mark Taylor broke well down the right before laying the ball into the path of Chris Davis, but he completely missed the ball when well placed.

However just four minutes later and Rangers did take the lead. Again Mark Taylor attacked down the right before passing to Simon Rea. He interchanged passes with Simon Brookes before finally Simon Rea released Chris Davis and he hit a good left footed shot into the corner of the goal past keeper Dave Alden.

Instead of going on from this early advantage Rangers failed to stamp any authority on the game allowing the Town to come back into the game and on 18 minutes they forced an equaliser.

Rangers failed to clear the ball and when Rob Perrins headed on, Les Tomkins was adjudged to have beaten Ross Sanders to the ball although the keeper did seem to have his hands on the ball.

After a half-time chat Rangers came out for the second half with far more purpose and after six minutes of the half they regained the lead. Mark Tipton played the ball through to Chris Davis and from just inside the penalty area he again finished well with a good left footed shot into the far corner.

On 21 minutes Mark Tipton played Simon Brookes into possession but he shot over the crossbar. After 32 minutes Ross Sanders was called into making a double save to keep Rangers' lead intact.

Just two minutes later and Rangers should really have increased their advantage when Simon Brookes and Simon Rea exchanged passes enabling the latter to set Ewan Castle clear in on goal but he shot wide of the post with just Dave Alden to beat.

However not to be denied Rangers did gain a two-goal cushion just one minute later with a superb goal.

Chris Davis did well on the left before getting a cross in which was only cleared to the edge of the box to Mark Tipton whose exquisite shot right into the corner left Alden stranded.

The Town threw caution to the wind in the final ten minutes, which Rangers withstood to gain three good points.

Man of the match was Chris Davis.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Rangers, sponsored by Strikes, entertain Blackheath Town in their last West Midlands League Division One (South) fixture of 2003. Kick off 1.45pm, players to meet Victoria Park 12.45pm prompt.