MALVERN Town increased their hopes of securing a top five league finish with an impressive 4-2 victory over title-chasing AFC Bridgnorth.
The Hillsiders were in ruthless form as they strolled to their second consecutive league win after beating Cradley last week.
Goals from Dene Whittal-Williams, Luke Corbett and Harry Wickett put an impressive Malvern side 3-0 up inside 24 minutes before seeing out comfortable 4-2 winners at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
The win kept Malvern eighth in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division but have now closed the gap to three points between them and the top four.
But defeat for AFC Bridgnorth dented their hopes of securing promotion after failing to close the gap on league leaders Shawbury United.
However the visitors did make a bright start when they tested Malvern keeper Chas Weaver who was forced to make a point blank save.
Three minutes later Malvern had their first chance when the ball was played to Ben Hayes whose shot was turned away by Tom Whitney, in the Bridgnorth goal.
Malvern took the lead in the eighth minute when a Louis Loader corner was eventually flicked into the net by Whittal-Williams.
Seven minutes later saw another corner to the back post where Luke Corbett’s shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Matthew Turner who fired over the bar.
AFC Bridgnorth’s Anwar Olugbon threatened to level the scores but his shot went wide.
And that miss proved crucial as Malvern doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Hayes’ beautiful flick to Anthony Smith led to Corbett to head home from a great cross into the box.
And four minutes later Malvern had increased their lead to 3-0 when Harry Wickett’s cross towards the back post found the top corner of the net.
Bridgnorth pulled a goal back just before the half-time whistle when Simon Gregory headed home a good free-kick whipped into the box.
In the 52nd minute Loader ran up the right and sent in a low cross where Hayes’ back flick attempt went straight to keeper Whitney.
A minute later a wonderful move saw Corbett and Turner exchange before the midfielder flicked the ball home to make it 4-1.
In the 74th minute another Turner cross to Corbett who steadied himself but shot wide.
Bridgnorth pulled a goal back late on when Kevin Buxton fired home from about 30 yards but it was too little too late for the visitors.
Malvern entertain Wellington on Bank Holiday Monday.
Picture courtesy of Cliff Williams.
