Wolverhampton Sporting Community 0, Malvern Town 1.

MALVERN Town extended their unbeaten run in the West Midlands League Premier Division to five matches after victory at Wolverhampton Sporting Community.

Town dominated the early play and, in the 16th minute, the ball broke down the right and Robert Cullen fired wide.

Three minutes later, Malvern scored the game’s only goal when, following a throw-in by Cullen into the box, Lee Hooper headed down and after a couple of blockages by the Wolverhampton Sporting Community defenders, the ball fell to Dave Reynolds who made no mistake from eight yards.

Wolverhampton tried to come into the game and a cross-shot by Stephen Bernard was pushed away by Malvern’s goalkeeper Ian Hill.

From the resulting corner, Marlon Taylor fired wide. In the 28th minute, Cullen, who was enjoying the space he had on the right, crossed into the area but Hooper’s shot was saved.

After 36 minutes, John Bateman in the Wolverhampton goal was acting as a sweeper, but a poor kick enabled Anthony Smith to pass it to Hooper. His shot from some 45 yards was cleared off the line by captain Ben Wilkins as he ran back.

Five minutes into the second-half, a ball from Paul Edwards on the left fell to Hooper but his shot was saved by Bateman. Town were determined to protect their lead and while Wolverhampton had possession, they were unable to create any worthwhile chances.

Gradually in the last 20 minutes, the visitors started to pile the pressure on Wolverhampton. In the 70th minute, a corner found Hooper and Bateman saved on the line.

Two minutes later, Reynolds was seemingly pushed in the back in the area but nothing was subsequently given.

Another corner three minutes later found Chris Allen whose header went towards the corner of the net, but Bateman deflected it for a corner.

A long ball was played out of Malvern’s box and Bryan Craven headed it on to Reynolds but he shot wide.

Wolverhampton’s last attack floated a ball into the box but Hill pushed the ball away.

For Malvern, this meant they sealed their first league double having already beaten them 2-0 in the first game of the season.