MANAGER Les Jones hailed Dave Reynolds after the marksman’s five-goal salvo in Malvern Town’s 6-3 midweek romp against Dudley Town.

Jones described Reynolds’ finishing against Dudley as “lethal” after Town secured their third West Midlands League Premier Division triumph of the campaign.

Town chief Jones is hoping Reynolds can replicate his sharp shooting in tomorrow’s league clash at much-fancied Shawbury United (3pm).

“Dave Reynolds was superb against Dudley,” said Jones.

“He was lethal as we had the points wrapped up at half-time after soaring into a 5-1 lead.

“We have now picked up seven points from a possible 12 so things are improving and we have climbed to fourth from bottom.

“In our last five matches we have won three, drawn one and lost one and, although we are still missing players, the lads can’t be faulted.

“Hopefully, Dave will be lethal again on Saturday because Shawbury are a useful side and will be challenging for the title.”

Shawbury are just seven points adrift of table-topping Haughmond but have played five fewer games than their title rivals.

Jones added: “If we can get a positive result at Shawbury, it will give our confidence a huge boost for next Saturday’s FA Vase trip to Ellesmere Rangers.”

Town had an encouraging result last Saturday when they picked up a point from a 1-1 draw at home to Black Country Rangers.

Malvern took the lead through an own goal in the 14th minute before Rangers salvaged a point with time running out.

Goalkeeper Charlie Weaver had a fine match for Town, with a second-half penalty save and several vital stops.

Reynolds took the man-ofthe- match plaudits against Dudley in midweek and got the ball rolling for the hosts with a sixth-minute opener.

He doubled Malvern’s lead before Dudley pulled a goal back but the striker completed his treble soon afterwards.

Reynolds netted his fourth goal before Matthew Turner struck to put Malvern 5-1 ahead at the interval.

Dudley reduced the deficit from the penalty spot but Reynolds slotted home Malvern’s sixth goal in the 62nd minute. The visitors had the final word with their third goal with 20 minutes left.

Jones said: “We are still missing players through injury, suspension and work commitments and we had three players injured in our draw last Saturday but the spirit is fantastic.”

Bryan Craven and Lewis Platt are injured, while Rhys King is still suspended.

However, Sam Rathbone is close to returning and Louis Loader and Lee Barmby are available after bans.