WHILST Express were grateful for the points and ninth win in a row, Prems must be wandering how the points slipped away after a dour game on Victoria Park pitch one, probably the worst playing surface in the Worcester League right now.

EXPRESS 2, MALVERN PREMIERS 1

Freezing conditions and a surface resembling a used mine field did not allow any flair in what was always going to be a closely contested local derby.

The first half hour came and went with very few goalmouth chances and Prems edging the battle in midfield where they were given too much space by Express.

But it was the home side who made the breakthrough when Jamie Roberts broke down the left and crossed to Matt Clifford who calmly and bravely put the ball past Newman to give Express the lead. A lead which wasn't to last for long as Prems hit back within ten minutes to leave things level at the break.

Things remained even in the second half and very little happened to warm a well chilled but sparse crowd, top scorers Roberts for Express and Kordas for Prems were both finding very little opportunity or service to change the game.

Prems were first to really threaten with just ten minutes left when Express were relieved to see a superb curling effort rebound to safety from the post.

Roberts finally got and took his chance in the 90th minute. He beat three men on the edge of the box before placing the ball in the bottom corner to take the points for Express and continue their pressure on the league leaders.

This Sunday Express are home again to Cutnall Green, players meet 9.40am Victoria Park