TOWN turned in an excellent display at Bromyard on Tuesday night to return with all three Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division points in a local derby the home side were desperately keen to succeed in.

BROMYARD TOWN 2, MALVERN TOWN 3

Bromyard, featuring ex Town players, Phil Slade, Neil Mogford, Dave Damore, Adam Higgins and Wes Joyce, were rarely allowed into their stride, as Malvern's slick passing on an excellent playing surface, often had the home side chasing shadows.

Malvern made their mark as early as the 10th minute, when the recalled Darren Wade cut in from the right and fired home to give his side the lead with a well taken goal. As Malvern continued to dominate, a second was inevitable and it came from Malvern's Dean Roberts.

Roberts who was Town's stand in skipper for the night, in the place of the unavailable Craig Williams, was in inspired form and made a crucial mark on the proceedings when he put his side 2-0 up, with an excellent strike from 18 yards after 30 minutes.

The home side were not totally out of the picture though and when Luke Willetts pulled a goal back on the stroke of half time a difficult second period looked likely.

However, with the dangerous Joyce largely subdued and the Town defence superbly marshalled by Nick Clayton, 'keeper Dave Alden in the Malvern goal was a virtual spectator.

Town as good as secured victory mid way through the second half, when Dean Roberts powerful header took a slight deflection on its way into the net.

There was a last ditch scare for Town though, as they allowed Bromyard's Gordon Beauchamp to pull a goal back in the 85th minute. However, Malvern's fears were not realised as they held on for a comfortable and deserved victory.

Town Coach Neil Hunt said: "We played really well, in what was on paper a very difficult game, but we kept our discipline well and our shape was good all night."

"There were a number of good individual performances and Pete Roberts looks an excellent prospect at the back, but Dean Roberts was in a different class tonight and is really now starting to look a player of real quality."