FIFTH-placed Malvern Town head into Saturday’s West Midlands League Premier Division derby at Pershore Town in upbeat mood (3pm).

Eleven goals in the last two games have rewarded strong displays although Malvern must now cope with the loss of top-scorer Joshua Hunt to Cinderford.

“It’s pleasing to see us starting to add goals to our performances,” said co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams.

“It’s something we’ve been threatening for a while now.

“Looking back at our last game overall it was a very pleasing performance in what were increasingly tricky conditions.

“Now we are looking forward to Saturday’s game.

"It’s a local derby and will be keenly-fought so we’ll be ready to pick up from where we’ve left off in recent weeks.”

Ex-Malvern boss Les Jones is in charge of their second-from-bottom hosts who are also expected to feature some former Malvern players.

Jones has taken Pershore off the foot of the table with three league wins but there is plenty of work to do as demonstrated by last Saturday's 6-2 thrashing at Dudley Town.