MALVERN Town continued their superb form to stroll through to the second round qualifying of the FA Carlsberg Vase on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN 4, LONG EATON UNITED 2

Malvern played their 11th game in five weeks, with just one defeat, and were always in control. Only a brilliant game by the visiting goalkeeper Whealen prevented Malvern coasting to a runaway victory.

After an early scare, Malvern retaliated and Whealen was forced to make two brilliant saves, denying Phil Preedy and Luke Whittington.

He had little chance in the 24th minute when good play between Darren Bullock and Phil Preedy set up Mark Owen, who raced clear to fire home.

Malvern nearly increased their lead but Mark Shepherd just failed to get a touch on a Duncan Preedy cross. It was soon 2-0 however when Owen held of three defenders to lay off the ball into the path of Phil Preedy, who smashed the ball into the top of the net from 12 yards.

Town goalkeeper Craig Humphries made two great saves to deny Watson and Downie but he was left helpless when Downie headed home Neath's corner just before half-time.

Malvern went 3-1 in front when a deep run by Phil Preedy set up Owen but he squared the ball for Darren Bullock to drive powerfully home.

In a ten-minute spell Town lost Bullock, Duncan Preedy and Whittington, all to injuries but substitutes Jukes, Tompkins and Halion filled in superbly.

Visiting goalkeeper Whealen was soon in action saving from Shepherd and Halion before Halion rattled the crossbar with a header.

Shepherd made it 4-1 for the Town after good work by Owen and Phil Preedy and Whealen again denied Tompkins and Owen.

Long Eaton did manage a late goal deep into injury time when Downie headed in a Young cross to make it 4-2.