MARK Owen bagged a hat-trick as Malvern Town triumphed 4-1 at Tipton Town in the Midland Alliance.

The former Worcester City goal machine was joined on the scoresheet by Mark Shepherd as they inflicted Tipton's first defeat of the season.

Neil Hunt's side will hope to build on that victory and their promotion credentials at home to Stourbridge tonight (7.45).

In a mediocre first-half on Saturday, Craig Humphries saved brilliantly from Reynolds, but Tipton went in front through Coates on 19 minutes.

Malvern equalised when Shepherd headed Darren Bullock's free-kick down for Owen to score from close range.

The visitors started the second-half with a bang when Des Cox rode two tackles to set up Shepherd to guide the ball past 'keeper Watson on 47 minutes.

Malvern clinched the game with two goals in five minutes, both set up by the impressive Rich Tomkins and eventually finished off by Owen.

Westfields aim to recover tonight after being sent tumbling to their first Midland Alliance defeat of the season.

They visit Racing Club Warwick (7.45) following Saturday's 3-0 home humbling by Biddulph Victoria.

Westfields failed to convert a host of first-half chances and were then guilty of poor marking as Biddulph took the points from two set-pieces and a break-away goal.

Paul Burton's shot was turned past the post and Mark Hibbard fired wide before Biddulph skipper Scott Burge headed in a free-kick on 29 minutes.

Scott Jackson twice went close to equalising and Mark Davis headed straight at the 'keeper in the second period.

Burge nipped in front of Jon Pugh in goal to head in the second goal and Tom Pope side-footed home a late third.

Davis had a powerful header cleared off the line and Chris King blazed a free-kick over the bar in reply.

Pegasus Juniors opened their GLS Hellenic League Premier Division campaign with a fine 1-0 victory from a tough fixture at Carterton.

Although the home side had the lion's share of possession, they were unable to penetrate a determined Pegasus defence.

With an average age of less than 21, the young Hereford side took the points with an 18-yard strike from last season's top scorer Chris Mortlock on eight minutes.

Mortlock was set up from a pass by Anthony Robbins.

Worcester City Reserves kicked off their Central Conference season with a comfortable 3-0 victory last night over Burton Albion at St George's Lane.

City fielded eight first-team players in the side, including midfielder Jai Stanley and player-manager Andy Preece.

Goals came from James Smith, Tom Warmer and Jimmi-Lee Jones.