MALVERN Town secured a second successive win ahead of Saturday’s West Midlands Football League Premier Division test at mid-table Smethwick Rangers (3pm).

Town followed up a weekend 2-1 league win at Shawbury United, which ended a run of three defeats, with Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over lower-ranked Moors Academy.

The Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup success, courtesy of goals from Steve Webb and Harry Clark, was their first in the last five games at home.

Sixth-placed Malvern go to Smethwick in 11th looking for a 10th league win from 17 fixtures.

Town co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams said of the midweek triumph: “We found ourselves up against good, well-drilled opponents who closed us down quickly.

“Credit to our boys because we had to dig deep again and kept our shape well to get the win.

“There were some really encouraging aspects of our play. The lads took on board what we told them and now we are happy to make progress in this competition.

“The clean sheet was also very welcome and it’s two wins in a row so we are starting to build some momentum again which is important.

“The lads really needed that victory in our last game. It gave them a lift and we took the positivity into this one.

“We’ll now get ready for another massive game at the weekend. It’s always tough going to Smethwick.

“They have been a bit up-and-down so far this season but it will be another test for us. We’ll stick together and go there with confidence, focused on getting another positive result to take into the big games that follow.”

Town went straight on the attack against Moors as Clark fired over and Webb shot off target.

They went ahead on 10 minutes when a speculative effort from distance by Webb found its way beyond the keeper.

Charlie Weaver saved well from Moors while Joshua Hunt also forced a stop at the other end.

An end-to-end affair saw Malvern make it two on 42 minutes when Matt Turner’s teasing cross fell for Clark to fire home.

Town, who visit Loughborough University in the quarter-finals, defended well to keep their clean sheet with Weaver pulling off several saves.

Malvern: Weaver, Webb, Griffiths, A Sauntson, Noke, Gaffney (Wickett 60), Turner, Loader, Hunt, Griffin (Lane 71), Clark (Dyde 82). Subs not used: Fusco, J Sauntson.