DESPITE being without several key players, Malvern Town chalked up their second successive pre season success against Midland Alliance opposition, with this deserved victory at home to Oldbury United on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN 3, OLDBURY UNITED 1

Town opened the scoring after just five minutes, when Chris Thomas set up Richard Jones, who fired home from close range.

Town continued to press following the goal and efforts from Lee Hooper and Steve Walker flew narrowly wide.

Dean Roberts was also a constant threat, as was last seasons Midland Combination leading scorer Des Cox, who Town are in discussion with over a proposed move from Littleton, and with Ricky Halion dominating the midfield a second goal always appeared inevitable.

And it duly arrived in the 25th minute. Roberts was denied by the visiting keeper, but in the goalmouth melee that followed, Jones had shot blocked by the hand of an Oldbury defender and Roberts converted the resultant penalty.

Town took their foot off the pace a little after this, and Adam Moss, lent to Town for the day in a generous gesture by Evesham boss Phil Mullen, twice had to be alert to prevent the visitors pulling a goal back, but he was eventually beaten in the 37th minute by an excellent chip from the edge of the box.

The second period saw Town quickly back into their stride, and despite the sweltering conditions, their excellent fitness levels were clearly apparent.

The deciding goal came in the 65th minute when Jones, who seized his opportunity of a first pre season start, broke down the right and the ex-Cheltenham Town youngster picked out Cox at the far post, who gratefully slotted the ball home for his side's third goal.

Town's Reserve side put up an excellent show at Midland Combination Premier Division side Handrahan Timbers, before going down 2-1.