MALVERN turned on a sensational display at Kington on Saturday, that not only maintained their place at the top of the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division, but virtually eliminated any prospect of the third-placed home side remaining in the title race.

KINGTON TOWN 1, MALVERN TOWN 6

It didn't look like Malvern were going to get an easy ride at a wind and rain swept Kington, as the hosts attempted to muscle Malvern out of their stride.

Both Des Cox and Dean Roberts had fired early warnings to the home side and it was the latter who put Town in front in the 19th minute.

An excellent floated ball from Nick Clayton was superbly brought down by Roberts, who in one movement ghosted past his marker and fired a left foot shot beyond the despairing Kington goalkeeper.

Cox then fired wide when well placed and Nathan Jukes saw a powerful drive narrowly miss the upright. But as the half wore on Kington came more into the picture and the movement of Mark Davis and Danny Hill up front was a constant threat, with both players almost securing an equaliser in the 10 minutes before half time.

Immediately after the break Kington's Andy Clarke saw a drive flash narrowly wide, but straight after this the excellent Phil Preedy broke for Malvern before slipping the ball into the path of Roberts and the Town top scorer made no mistake.

Malvern went up another gear and tore the home side side to shreds in a devastating 20 minute spell.

Cox hit the crossbar and Lee Hooper saw the rebound fall at his feet, but his drive was blocked.

But Preedy, so often the orchestrater of Malvern's best moments, went on a solo run in the 54th minute and hammered the ball high into the roof of the net to put Town in an unassailable position. Just five minutes later Jukes set up Rik Halion, who powered into the box before slotting past a helpless 'keeper.

In the 60th minute Preedy sent over a far post cross and it was Hooper who leapt highest to plant a rare header firmly into the back of the net.

With Malvern now coasting, a slack moment allowed Kington's Alex Hunt to head home a 70th minute corner, but Malvern responded just five minutes later when Preedy's far post cross was touched home by Hooper.

The result as good as guarantees Malvern the runners up spot, but it is the title that they crave most and on their second half showing it is clear that they have the wherewithal to win their remaining six games which would see then crowned champions.

But assuming both sides retain their current form, the April 24 fixture when Town entertain Tipton, has a real 'date with destiny' look about it.

Town general manager Richard Anson said: "This was a huge result for us, we all knew that the game would be a real test of character, but to go on and win in the way we did was remarkable."