Town enjoy five-star show (From Malvern Gazette)

Town enjoy five-star show

3:01pm Friday 14th December 2012 in Local

MALVERN Town powered to their most convincing West Midlands Football League Premier Division win of the season.

Les Jones’ side thrashed fifth-from-bottom Shifnal Town 5-1 at the Langland Stadium with Dave Reynolds bagging a hat-trick.

Malvern, who are 11th in the table, will be buoyed for tomorrow’s tough visit to Shawbury United (3pm) before hosting another titlechaser in Lye Town in the league cup next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Despite the tough tests ahead of the festive programme, Town’s confidence was lifted by the ruthless dispatching of Shifnal.

A bright start saw Rob Cullen miss his kick when presented with a chance before he supplied Ed Lyons who shot just wide.

Jamie Smith’s cross-shot was pushed over by keeper Chris Worrall on 22 minutes and Cullen fired over from the resulting corner.

But Shifnal took an undeserved lead in the 25th minute when Charlie Knowles was allowed time to turn and fire home following a free-kick into the box.

However, the visitors only held the lead for seven minutes as Oliver Endacott played a fine pass through to Reynolds who trapped the ball, rounded the keeper and netted.

Three minutes later, a 35- yard chip from Shifnal’s Sean Powell hit the bar but Malvern went straight back down the other end.

Lyons’ shot from Cullen’s cross was parried by Worrall only for Lee Hooper to direct the rebound over.

The second-half started with Malvern under pressure as Chris Allen made a welltimed tackle and then Joe Endacott cleared off the line.

But the hosts took the lead for the first time on 52 minutes when Reynolds powerfully headed in Oliver Endacott’s free-kick.

They increased the lead four minutes later when the ball was played up the left and Oliver Endacott drove in via the crossbar. Just before the hour mark, Reynolds secured his hat-trick when his chip hit the post and went into the net.

Lyons saw an effort cleared off the line before Reynolds went close with an attempt at a fourth goal.

Malvern keeper Ian Hill made a fine late save before they countered and substitute Louis Loader fired home their fifth goal at the far post to complete the scoring.