MALVERN Town emerged with all three points in their last game of 2001 with a hard earned victory over visitors Little Drayton Rangers at Langland Stadium on Saturday.

The win came thanks to Keith Holmans twice converting spot kicks.

MALVERN TOWN 4, LITTLE DRAYTON RANGERS 2

The visitors opened brightly and after just seven minutes Andy Roberts had a good chance to score but from the edge of the box, he lifted his effort over the bar.

On 15 minutes Sean Cotterill brought a fine save from Andy Pryce in the Drayton goal, who parried his close range effort for a corner. From the resultant set piece youngster Lee Hooper headed home a Keith Holmans chip to put the home side in front.

Four minutes later Malvern extended their lead when Hooper provided his co-striker Neil Mogford with a simple chance, which he gleefully accepted to side foot past Pryce.

Play was pretty even for the remainder of the half, but on 40 minutes Town had keeper Dave Alden to thank when he superbly turned a Paul Bywater volley around the post for a fruitless corner.

At the start of the second period Little Drayton came out with all guns blazing and on 49 minutes reduced the arrears when Chris Hodgkin lifted a 20 yard free kick over the Town wall and in off the near post, giving Alden no chance.

The visitors continued to press and full back Richard Croaker caught the Malvern back four flat footed, but Alden saved brilliantly to beat away his final shot to safety. Alden again saved his side on 57 minutes when he gathered a close range effort from Hodgkin.

Little Drayton were reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute when Gary Anslow was shown the red card for a second bookable offence after scything down Chris Thomas.

A minute later Malvern regained their two goal advantage when Keith Holmans placed the ball just inside the post from the penalty spot after Richard Croaker had handled in the area.

On 65 minutes Matty Upton was introduced into the home attack, after a long absence through work commitments, and immediately introduced an increase in pace which Drayton found difficult to handle. In the 76th minute he won another penalty for his side after he was brought down by Pryce. Holmans again found the net from the spot to put Town 4-1 up.

Drayton never gave up and, on 82 minutes, substitute Paul Hughes reduced the arrears when he beat Alden from close range. Malvern however had little difficulty seeing out the remainder of the game to run out comfortable winners.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern entertain Dudley Town in the Express & Star League Premier Division, kick-off 2.45pm. The Reserves travel to Bustleholme Reserves for a Division One (South) fixture, kick off 1.45pm.

On Thursday (January 10) Malvern Town's Under 18 entertain West Bromwich Albion in the third round of the League Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.