MALVERN Town bounced back from the disappointment of their mid-week defeat to Ellesmere Rangers to clinch a 2-0 win at Willenhall Town on Saturday.
Les Jones’ side had been on a crest of a wave having bagged 19 goals in three games before Ellesmere secured a 2-1 victory at the Langland Stadium on Wednesday.
But Malvern did not take long to return to winning ways as Louis Loader curled home a free-kick before Lee Hooper sealed all three points with a superb solo effort late on.
For long periods, though, it looked like it was going to be another frustrating afternoon for Town as they missed a host of opportunities to score.
They were also forced into a late change in goal as Charles Weaver came in for Ian Hill, who twisted his ankle in the pre-match warm up.
But after being tested early on, Weaver hardly had a save to make as Malvern camped in Willenhall’s half.
Loader, Dave Reynolds and Reece King all had chances to break the deadlock, but they failed to find the finishing touch as the teams remained locked at 0-0 at half time.
And it stayed a stalemate until the 65th minute when Loader unleashed a superbly struck free-kick which bent around the wall and flew into the back of the net.
It was an important breakthrough for Malvern as the pitch began to deteriorate, but with just one goal separating the two sides Willenham still fancied their chances of nicking a point.
However, as the hosts pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments, Town managed to snatch a goal on the break. Hooper picked up the ball inside his own half before driving up-field, rounding the goalkeeper and calmly slotting home.