MALVERN Town picked up their third West Midlands League Premier Division victory of the season against Worcestershire rivals Bewdley Town.

Les Jones’ side triumphed 2-1 at the Langland Stadium through goals from Reece King and Louis Loader to end a run of three league defeats.

The hosts started brightly against their fellow strugglers and, from Phil Harris’ first-minute long throw, Lee Hooper directed a half-volley over the bar.

But Bewdley won a free-kick just outside the area soon after and keeper Ian Hill did well to parry away Simon Rudd’s set-piece which went through the wall.

Oliver Endacott’s shot hit a defender and went out for a Malvern corner before they took the lead in the 15th minute. Harris played the ball up the right for Hooper who ran to the byline and crossed for King to convert.

Bewdley went close when no one was able to finish off Rich Costello’s dangerous centre but they levelled on 28 minutes.

The visitors were awarded a free-kick 35 yards out and the ball was played to the left-hand side of the box for Costello to run through unmarked and fire past Hill.

However, Malvern regained the lead in the 40th minute when Hooper found Loader from the right wing and he slotted home.

In injury-time, Harris and Hooper combined for Loader to volley wide. Malvern continued to threaten in the second period and Loader miscued his 65th-minute effort after being set up by Hooper again.

Nine minutes later, Endacott's promising cross was cleared and then Loader twice threatened in quick succession. His 35-yard chip went just over the bar before another shot was caught by Bewdley keeper Simon Dye.

In the 82nd minute, Endacott escaped down the left but chose to shoot rather than centre for two unmarked Malvern players.

Another Endacott effort fell to Dye and Malvern almost paid the price for missed chances in injury-time but Hill did well to grab the ball from Bewdley substitute Redd Savage.

Malvern could not follow up the victory as they lost 2-1 at high-flying Wolverhampton Sporting Community in mid-week to leave them with nine defeats from 12 fixtures.

They head to second-from-bottom Bustleholme tomorrow (3pm) and mid-table Dudley Town next Wednesday (7.45pm).