MALVERN Town produced one of their most impressive performances of the season as they put seven goals past Black Country Rangers without reply on Saturday.
The visitors arrived at the HDanywhere Community Stadium looking to close the gap on Town, who were a place above them in the West Midlands Regional League table.
But in the end they were simply blown away by Les Jones’ side, who opened up a 3-0 lead at half time thanks to a brace from Kirk Layton either side of Dave Reynolds’ 38th minute goal.
The onslaught continued after the break as sixth placed Malvern eased to victory, with Sam Rathbone and Matt Turner finding the net before Ben Hayes completed the rout with his second of the half.
It actually took 22 minutes before either side had a shot on goal, but Malvern made it count as Hayes, Reynolds and Rathbone worked the ball into the box before Layton fired home.
Rangers were still in the match as the half entered its final ten minutes as Aaron Richards’ header hit the crossbar while Reynolds had an effort cleared off the line.
But the away side then suffered a double blow as Malvern took firm control of the match. Lee Hooper knocked the ball down for Reynolds who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net before Town made it 3-0 in the 40th minute. Layton got his second after his shot took a deflection and flew into the net.
Chas Weaver’s only meaningful save came in the final minute of the half as he easily claimed Andy Price’s effort. Rangers also made a strong start to the second half as Liam Hughes, who was last season’s top goalscorer, shot just wide.
But it was Town who were taking their chances as they moved further in front when Rathbone burst into the box and fired past Luke Tilt.
This was then followed by a quickfire double as Hayes tapped in Hooper’s goalbound effort before Turner skipped past his defender and keeper before coolly finishing.
Malvern then completed the scoring in the 86th minute when Hayes chipped the defender and the keeper with a deflected effort.