FORMER Wolves striker Jimmi-Lee Jones gave Andy Preece food for thought after grabbing a brace in Worcester City's 3-1 pre-season friendly win at neighbours Malvern Town.

The trialist came on as a half-time substitute at Malvern's Langland Stadium and promptly put the game beyond the Midland Alliance hosts.

Jones will be a familiar face to City fans after he bagged a hat-trick for Wolves in a 3-2 pre-season victory at St George's Lane two summers ago.

He left Molineux in March 2004 and has recently tasted brief non-league spells at Forest Green Rovers and Burton Albion, while he trained with Kidderminster Harriers' reserves last season after recovering from a broken leg.

With City now down to four strikers on their books, following last week's sale of Christian Moore to Kettering, player-manager Preece may be keen to add further strikepower and Jones will have made a big impression.

It proved a comfortable victory for City as they brace themselves for a more heated clash with local rivals Harriers tomorrow evening.

Des Lyttle, Shabir Khan and Chris Smith began in Worcester's three-man defence, the same combination that started the goalless friendly against Carlisle United.

Last season's lethal strike partnership, Adam Webster and Leon Kelly, were given the nod in attack, Jai Stanley, Tom Warmer and Liam McDonald lined up in midfield, while Rob Warner and Les Hines ran the flanks.

McDonald and Hines were involved in a fine move down the left wing which led to the opening goal on eight minutes.

Wing-back Hines whipped over a cross for last season's top goalscorer Webster, who made no mistake with a looping header over Malvern goalkeeper Craig Humphries.

The visitors kept up the pressure during the half but ran up a stack of missed chances.

However, Jones, a substitute for Webster, put the game beyond Town with a devastating four-minute brace.

His first came on 54 minutes when he swept the ball past Humphries after receiving a pass from summer signing Graham Hyde.

Jones was on target again, slotting home a fine Warner cross on 57 minutes.

He should have celebrated a hat-trick moments later when he broke clear from the half-way line. But with just 'keeper Humphries to beat, Jones fluffed his golden opportunity.

City midfielder Nick Colley came close to adding a fourth when he struck the crossbar.

With 14 minutes remaining, Malvern grabbed a consolation when midfielder Lee Tompkins, whose brother Richard once played for Worcester, nipped in to score from close range.