A FIVE-GOAL thriller, which was almost a six-goal one, at Victoria Park last Sunday as Radar overcame local rivals Express 88 to gain their fifth win in a row.

MALVERN RADAR 3, EXPRESS 88 2

The Express started strongly kicking down the slope with Matt Clifford using his pace to cause some concern to the home defence although chances were few and far between other than two sharp long range shots from Mark Taylor.

It was no real surprise when the first goal proved to be a rather scrappy effort. Radar's forward Dave Marshall chased what appeared to be a lost cause only for Phil Smalley's clearance to rocket against the pursuing forward and loop back into the net.

With the heavy rain making the ball skid off the surface at some pace there were bound to be some second half mistakes and the Express drew level on the hour following a scramble in the six yard box the ball stopped on the goal-line only for the unlucky keeper Chris Ball to knock the ball into the goal with a trailing arm.

Five minutes later it was 2-1 to the Express. An excellent run from Alan Preece saw him dribble into the area and place the ball into the corner off the net from 15 yards.

With sub Dave Hamilton making an impressive debut for the Express, Radar appeared to be up against it but Ball kept them in the game with a splendid save to keep out Taylor's header and this spurred on his team. Following another scramble the ball bobbed up nicely to Andy Myhill who levelled the scores with a header from 10 yards and then with ten minutes left Smalley had no option but to head away an under-hit back pass and Lee Brookes showed some quick thinking clipping the ball back over the keeper into the empty net.

The Express were then awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. Taylor stepped up to take the kick and as he kicked the ball the referee blew for full time. Needless to say it ended up in the net and would Chris Ball have saved it?

This Sunday Radar are away to league leaders Langland Sports, meet Dukes Meadow 10am.

The Express man of the match was Dean Henman and on Sunday Express are away to Perrywood Reserves, players meet 9.30am at Express Inn.