TWO goals from Kirk Layton and Ben Hayes helped Malvern Town hammer close rivals Black Country Rangers 7-0 in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Sixth-placed Town extended their advantage in the table to nine points over Rangers, who boast eight games in hand.

After a tight start, Layton opened the floodgates by firing home on 22 minutes after Sam Rathbone's shot was blocked.

Aaron Richards headed against the bar on the half-hour mark from Dave Reynolds' corner.

Reynolds then saw an effort cleared off the line following Rathbone's pass and then chipped just wide over the advancing keeper.

But Malvern increased their lead in the 38th minute when Reynolds latched onto Lee Hooper's header and rounded keeper Luke Tilt to net.

Two minutes later, Layton grabbed his second goal with a deflected shot after good work from Hayes, Reynolds and Hooper.

Hayes fired wide before keeper Chas Weaver easily caught Rangers' first effort on goal from Andy Price late in the first-half.

Liam Hughes missed a chance early in the second period for the visitors, who quickly paid the price.

Rathbone ran into the box to beat the keeper on 50 minutes and Hayes tapped in Hooper's goalbound shot 12 minutes later.

Matt Turner skipped past a defender and the keeper to slot in the sixth goal from Reece King's pass on 65 minutes.

Turner shot over before Hayes completed Malvern's biggest win of the season four minutes from time with a deflected chip.

Town take their fine form to leaders Gornal Athletic on Saturday (3pm).

The under 21s crashed 8-2 at Warstone Wanderers in Division Two.

But Powick Rangers moved up to second in the table with a 5-1 beating of Gornal Colts.

Fixtures on Saturday see Town under 21s host Tipton Youth (3pm) and Powick visit bottom-of-the-table Worcester Olympic (2pm).

Division One leaders Bromyard Town return to action in a battle of the top two against St Martins at Delahay Meadow on Saturday (3pm).