SHARP-SHOOTERS Malvern Town roared back to winning ways in style as they prepare for a top-of-the-table clash with Hellenic League Premier Division leaders Cribbs.
After the Hillsiders’ run of nine straight wins came to an abrupt end with a 2-0 reverse at Wantage Town, Malvern returned to the home comforts of the HDAnywhere Community Stadium on Saturday (October 29) to thrash Mangotsfield United 7-2.
Goals from Dave Reynolds and Bobbie Dale either side of an own goal from the visitors’ Jack Dancey handed the Hillsiders a commanding 3-0 lead before Jaydn Crosbie reduced the arrears just before the break.
Field’s comeback looked on when Issac Flynn made it 3-2 at the start of the second half but two goals in a minute look to have closed the door on the visitors’ hopes.
Substitute Lewis Spurrier fired home to restore the two-goal cushion before Joe Bates slotted home Harry Clark’s ball across goal to make it five.
Mangotsfield rattled the crossbar and forced a good save from Keiron Blackburn in the Hillsiders goal before goals from Jake Cavens and Sam Judge late on sealed the three points.
The Hillsiders travel to Bristol on Saturday (November 5) to take on Cribbs, looking to close the four-point gap to the unbeaten leaders (kick-off 3pm).
Meanwhile, Worcester Raiders face Royal Wootton Bassett Town this weekend on the back of a 5-0 win at Shrivenham in their return to action after a short break.
A brace from Louis Monaghan plus goals from Jordan Murphy, Jay Sauntson and Harry Stratford sealed victory for the Raiders to leave them fourth in the Hellenic League Premier with two games in hand over many of those above them.
One of the games in hand was set to be ticked off on Tuesday (November 1) with Raiders travelling to lowly Tuffley Rovers looking to repeat their five-star showing against the strugglers last month.
Raiders went into last Saturday’s clash boosted with the arrival of centre-back Ethan Patterson, who has signed on dual registration terms with Southern Premier Central side Alvechurch.
Managerless Worcester City lost 1-0 to Midland League Premier Division leaders Walsall Wood to make it six straight defeats and no wins in their last seven games in league and cup.
A late first-half strike from Adam McGurk was the difference between the sides at Claines Lane, seeing the Wood to the win.
The Blue and Whites had the opportunity late on in the first half to take the lead, but a Sean Brain penalty was saved by Wood keeper Callum Smith.
Moments later, Walsall recycled a cross and McGurk found space at the back post to fire the visitors into the lead, with City unable to answer in the second half.
City face a trip to Castle Vale in Birmingham to face Romulus on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).