MALVERN Town secured their fourth successive pre-season victory, following a 4-2 success at Hellenic League Premier Division Shortwood United last Thursday night.

SHORTWOOD UNITED 2, MALVERN TOWN 4

After a scrappy first period during which Town struggled to settle against a lively home attack, it was no surprise that they found themselves losing 1-0 at half time.

But the second half was a different story once new signing Des Cox had equalised in the 55th minute.

After this it was very much the Lee Hooper show, as the 17-year-old striker put Town in front just five minutes later and secured Town's third goal in the 66th minute, when he latched on to Steve Walker's superb through ball, to brilliantly chip the advancing 'keeper from the edge of the penalty area.

Shortwood pulled a goal back in the 80th minute, but two minutes later, Hooper found himself on the end of a long headed clearance from Sean Cotterill, and showed considerable poise to clinch his hat-trick and his side's fourth goal.

Hooper's hat-trick means he has now scored five times in four pre-season outings.

- Town lost their first friendly on Tuesday evening when they visited Harrow Hill. The home side scored in each half for a 2-0 victory.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern Town host Yate Town in their final pre-season build up fixture at Langland Stadium, kick off is 3pm.

Town will be hoping to parade something close to the first-choice side with only Rik Halion unavailable.

The West Midlands League Premier Division fixtures start the following Saturday (August 17) when Town visit Bustleholme (2.45).

The following Tuesday (August 20) Town entertain Westfields (7.45) followed by another home game against Little Drayton Rangers (2.45) on Saturday, August 24, and then Kington away on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.