A PHIL Preedy hat-trick kept Malvern Town three points clear at the top of the West Midlands League Premier Division as they thumped bottom club Coseley Town 6-1.

Preedy gave Malvern the lead when he converted a cross from his brother Duncan, and a header from Rik Halion made it 2-0 and a 25-yard cross-shot from Gary Smith made it three before the interval.

Coseley got one back just after the break but straight from the kick-off Malvern came forward again and Phil Preedy almost burst the back of the net with a 25-yard drive.

The same player then netted again to complete his hat-trick before substitute Des Cox rounded off the scoring with 10 minutes left.

Second-placed Tipton Town have two games in hand on Malvern but the two sides still have to meet.

Manager Neil Hunt said: "It was another good win. We just have to keep knocking on now and we have to start beating the good sides, starting with Kington this Saturday."