JOINT-boss Lee Hooper reckons Malvern Town reaped the fruits of their pre-season labour in Saturday’s opening 3-0 victory over Pershore Town.

Matt Pinder, Harry Clark and Matt Fusco struck as the Hillsiders eased past the West Midlands League Premier Division newcomers.

“I am delighted,” said Hooper. “Everything we have worked on in training and during our pre-season matches was brought out in that performance.

“We worked hard for our clean sheet from front to back and were never under serious pressure.

“We took our goals well and it was nice to see the new lads and youngsters all buying in to what we are trying to do here.

“Hopefully we can feed off this performance in the FA Cup when we go to Boldmere St Michaels (on Saturday).

“They are a level above us so it will be a good test but one we will face with determination.”

There was a cagey opening to the game against Pershore as both sides looked to get into the swing of things.

Debutant Malvern keeper Josh Rogers was beaten to the ball on the edge of the area by Jordan Hayward but the hosts got the numbers back to cover.

Clark's strike was easily gobbled up by the Pershore keeper while Pinder and Louis Loader went close from distance.

The opener arrived on 37 minutes when Matt Turner unlocked the defence and put the chance on a plate for Pinder who made no mistake.

Pinder then beat the keeper but could not force the ball past the defender on the line.

He also dragged a low strike wide early in the second half and Clark missed on two occasions after fine deliveries by Aaron Griffiths.

But Malvern's pressure was rewarded on 66 minutes when Loader played through Clark who this time stayed cool to lift the ball home.

It was 3-0 on 78 minutes when Fusco beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper and walked the ball home.

Turner was denied by a late save as Malvern threatened to score more.

League debutant Clark said: “It was a good performance.

"It could have been a tricky one for us but once we got the first goal there was no looking back and it was a convincing win in the end where we were always in control.

“I’m enjoying it here and it was great to get an assist and a goal which I am claiming on my league debut.

“It gives me something to build on and hopefully I can keep improving and we can get better both individually and collectively as a team.”

Malvern: Rogers, C Smith (Fulford 83), Griffiths, A Sauntson, Parker, Webb, Turner, Loader, M Pinder, Fusco (Watkins 81), Clark (Dyde 85). Sub not used: Whittal-Williams.