MALVERN Radar moved up to sixth in the McDonald’s Worcester and District League Sunday Premier Division with a 3-1 win at local rivals Colwall St James.

Returning to league action, the town side made the short journey over the hills for a hard-fought match on a heavy, sodden pitch in blustery conditions.

Radar took the lead after eight minutes when Ricky Buckland saw his shot saved only for Louis Loader to follow up and score.

But, despite being on top for long spells and creating numerous chances, the visitors were unable to find the net again until two minutes before halftime.

A foul in the penalty area allowed Loader to duly dispatch the resulting spot-kick for his fifth Radar goal of the season.

A sizeable home crowd spurred Colwall on and the midfield became hotly contested with both sides fully committed in the challenge, often to the referee’s displeasure.

Twenty minutes into the second period, Matt Cole scored with a powerful effort which surprised the keeper and flew through his hands to give Radar a three-goal cushion.

A clean sheet looked on the cards until six minutes from time when a terrible defensive mix-up gifted Colwall a welldeserved consolation.

Radar are just one point behind Arrow 2000.