MALVERN Town were unable to build on an impressive first half performance as Black Country Rangers eventually pulled away to clinch a 5-2 victory at the Langland Stadium.
Goals from James Lush and Louis Loader put Town on course for a surprise victory over one of the league’s high fliers as they led 2-1 at half time.
But Les Jones’ men could not cling on to their slender advantage as Rangers come storming back to secure a comfortable win.
With Malvern struggling in the bottom half of the table, the visitors, who had suffered just one defeat all season, were expected to ease to victory.
However, Town had other ideas as Harry Wickett and James Lush began to cause problems for Rangers’ defence, while Louis Loader had the first shot at goal, which sailed over.
It was the away side, though, who grabbed the lead. After Chris Allen’s blocked Paul Oakes’ effort, the onrushing Joszef Jakab drove the ball into the corner of the net.
But Town quickly levelled the matters when Lush latched on to a clearance before his deflected shot from distance flew past keeper Luke Tilt.
His opposite number, meanwhile, was having another impressive performance in the Malvern goal as a superb double save from Charlie Weaver kept Rangers at bay.
The visitors were then stunned just before the break as Malvern got themselves in front – and in some style. Loader latched on to Dominic Smith’s headed clearance before letting flying with a swerving shot which hit the back of the net.
But the goal only proved to further fuel Rangers’ desire to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half. And they soon drew level with a goal from close range.
Suddenly, Malvern were struggling to contain the Black Country side who added two further goals in quick succession. After Wickett gave his side the lead, Jakab notched up his second when he fired the ball past a dejected Weaver.
Ranger then put the match out of Town’s reach as Oakley sent a well-struck free-kick over Weaver’s head and into the top left hand corner.
Oakley almost added a sixth moments later, but Weaver put his body on the line to stop Rangers from inflicting further misery.