MALVERN Town started their Midland Alliance challenge with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Chasetown --last year's runners-up.

Malvern started strongly and on 12 minutes Phil Preedy wriggled clear but shot across the face of the goal.

Malvern took a deserved lead on the half-hour when Rik Hallion scored with a 20-yard shot into the top corner of the net.

Twelve minutes later Des Cox volleyed home from 12 yards to make it 2-0.

Chasetown were given a lifeline when Lee Bullimore netted on 54 minutes.

But Malvern upped the pace and it took them just three minutes to restore their two-goal advantage. Hallion's through-ball saw Phil Preedy nip in front of a defender and lob the goalkeeper.

n Malvern have signed former Worcester City striker Mark Owen.