TEENAGER Sam Daffin inspired in-form Malvern Town to a 2-1 victory over Cradley Town in the West Midlands Regional Premier Division on Saturday.
The 17-year-old made one and scored another in the second half to put Town in control and, despite a Lee Salmon consolation strike, Malvern secured their seventh win in ten games in all competitions.
The hosts started dangerously and James Lush had an effort cleared off the line before visiting keeper Richard Kennedy reacted well to deny Joe Endacott’s follow up header after 15 minutes.
Cradley had their best spell of the game midway through the first half when James Welnitschuk had his strike denied on the line by Harry Wickett before the same player’s audacious chip hit the bar.
Malvern came out the traps quickest again in the second half and Daffin took centre stage, the striker played the ball in to Matthew Turner who placed his effort past Kennedy to give the hosts the lead after 65 minutes.
Four minutes later and Malvern doubled their advantage when Reynolds picked out Daffin with a perfect diagonal ball and his shot hit Chad McCromack and found the net for his first goal for the first team.
Cradley did get one back during seven minutes of stoppage time, when Salmon rose highest to nod the ball home, but it was too little too late.
Ledbury Town did their hopes of survival no harm with a vital 2-1 away victory over Hereford Lads Club in their West Midlands Regional Division One encounter on Saturday.
Dan Herbert finished with 15 minutes to go to secure all three points and the bragging rights for Town over their local rivals after Jamie Welch had earlier cancelled out Carlos Moriera’s 17th minute strike.