MALVERN Town co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams was pleased with his players' response as they returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Moreton Rangers.

The HDanywhere Community Stadium hosts had exited the FA Vase last week with a 10-0 loss at Atherstone Town after going down to 10 men early on.

But mid-table Malvern hit back with a deserved three Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West points against the visitors from the Cotswolds.

Matt Fusco tucked home a deep left-wing cross at the far post after just three minutes.

Harry Clark fired over before Jamie Sauntson lashed home the second on nine minutes following good work from Kyonn Evans.

Clark hit the woodwork twice in the first period while Matt Turner, Fusco, Dave Reynolds and Harry Wickett all went close.

Malvern suffered another defensive injury 10 minutes from the break when Jamie Sauntson came off having already seen Adam Sauntson forced out of the first XI in the warm-up.

More chances went begging in the second period with Turner heading over as well as being denied by the keeper along with Clark and Louis Loader.

Aaron Griffiths cleared off the line to deny 11th-placed Moreton and debutant keeper Jordan Dibble saved a free-kick.

Finally Town scored a third on 75 minutes when Evans slotted home only for a late consolation from Javan Nurse who had previously been denied by Dibble.

Whittal-Williams said: “After the disappointment of our previous game we knew we had to respond in the right way.

“The lads showed their intent from the start. They played with a high tempo, worked hard throughout and created chances.

“We scored some good goals and with the opportunities we created it could have easily been more.

“That is something we know we need to sharpen up on but there were plenty of positives to come out of the performance.

“It was good to have Sam Hunt back available again following his long ban whilst Griff (Griffiths) stepped into the starting line-up when Adam Sauntson got injured in the warm-up and did a great job.

“He showed the quality he has and if we can get him match fit he will have an important role to play in the squad."

Malvern host Tuffley Rovers in the Banbury Litho Floodlit Challenge Cup third round tonight (7.45pm).

Malvern: Dibble, Fusco, Wickett (Hunt 77), Griffiths, J Sauntson (Hayes 36), Craven, Reynolds, Loader, Turner (Moran 67), Evans, Clark. Subs not used: Smith, A Sauntson.