CO-MANAGER Dene Whittal-Williams was a happy man after seeing Malvern Town get straight back into winning ways at Cradley Town.

Harry Clark and Ben Lane scored second-half goals in the 2-0 West Midlands League Premier Division victory as Malvern gave a commanding but patient display.

“This is always a tough place to come,” Whittal-Williams admitted.

“They always dig deep and having beaten us recently we knew it would be a real test for us.

“We had to work hard and stay patient to finally get the breakthrough and in the end we were worthy winners.

“I was pleased with the way in which the lads bounced back from the disappointment of our last game. They rolled their sleeves up and put the effort in which is exactly what we asked for.

“We did the basics well and then our quality began to shine through to allow us to secure the three points and a clean sheet."

Matt Turner fired over early on and Joshua Hunt saw an effort deflected wide while Steve Webb also put a chance off target.

Jamie Sauntson’s powerful header flew just over and Turner went close while Hunt’s low drive was saved in a goalless first period.

Cradley rattled the bar early in the second half and keeper Charlie Weaver denied Daniel Danks.

But Malvern still threatened with Adam Sauntson’s powerful drive stopped before they finally went ahead with 20 minutes left.

Clark’s header from Webb’s free-kick crossed the line with Adam Sauntson making sure.

Cradley hit back with Che O’Connor striking the woodwork and Weaver denying Dante Taylor.

But Malvern scored a second on 84 minutes when Adam Sauntson crossed for Lane to head in at the far post.

Midfielder Matt Fusco said: “We dominated the game.

“We had to be patient but stayed positive and pulled together to get back into winning ways.

“We said all that we needed to say about the previous game in training on Thursday and went out there determined to get the three points.

“It was a good team performance. I was pleased with my own display in the number 10 role. It was hard work out there but I enjoyed it and was delighted to play my part in the win."

Malvern head to higher-ranked Highgate United in the Worcestershire FA Senior Urn on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Malvern: Weaver, C. Smith (Noke 46), Griffiths, A Sauntson, J Sauntson, Harris, Turner (Lane 60), Webb, Hunt, Fusco (M Pinder 87), Clark. Subs not used: Salacinski, Griffin.