MALVERN Premiers continued their unbeaten run and got closer to the top of Worcester Sunday Division Two when they recorded an important 2-1 win against league leaders Perrywood Reserves.

MALVERN PREMIERS 2, PERRYWOOD RESERVES 1

Although Prems looked the stronger of the two sides, Perrywood battled from the word go. The Prems opened with a couple of quick chances but the ball went wide. It was 20 minutes into the game when Chris Brown made an outstanding run down the right wing and crossed the ball into the box, Nick Kordas attempted a diving header, missed but gathered the ball with his left foot to knock it home and give the Prems a 1-0 lead.

The pace of the game quickened with Prems attacking and Perrywood retaliating but finding it difficult to penetrate the Prems back four - in particular man of the match, Andy Collard.

Three minutes before half time, Perrywood had their opportunity but keeper Steve Newman kept his nerve and foiled a one on one attack to maintain the Prem's lead at half time.

The second half saw both teams playing some exciting football and Newman again made a magnificent save.

With 18 minutes left Keith Reynolds, who had dominated the centre field for the Prems, slotted the ball through the defenders to Kordas who made it 2-0.

It was not over as Perrywood continued to push forward and put the Prems under pressure. With three minutes left Scott Hines managed to get round behind the Prems defence and score in the top left hand corner to make the final tally 2-1 in the Prems' favour.

Manager Dave Loader said: "Perrywood did not make it easy for us today but at times we made it difficult for ourselves. All credit to Andy Collard, Jason Griffiths, Richard Gwynne and Steve Newman, they kept us in the game and played a significant part in an important win".

Malvern Premiers, sponsored by the Cross Keys, play away this Sunday against Express 88. Players are to meet 9.45am prompt at Victoria Park for 10.30am kick off.