MALVERN Town had to roll up their sleeves for a 4-3 victory over winless Newent Town in Hellenic League Division One West.

An eighth-minute Sam Hunt free-kick cancelled out an early opener before two quick goals from Kyonn Evans and Matt Turner put Malvern in command before the break.

The second-from-bottom visitors hit back again before Harry Clark hit the hosts' fourth goal on 83 minutes.

There was still time for Newent to score another to set up a grandstand finish but the HDanywhere Community Stadium side held on to go up to fifth in the table.

Malvern had hammered Newent 7-1 away in the opening game of the season.

Jordan Cooper (2) and Patrick Gibbs scored for Newent this time.

“It wasn’t the overall performance that we were looking for but it’s another three points on the board which is exactly what we were looking for,” said Malvern co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams.

“We knew that Newent would provide tough opposition, far better than their position in the table suggests, and so it proved.

“A poor start saw us fall behind within the opening minute but as we settled into the game we started to play some excellent football in parts and we were able to score three good goals before the break.

“Our second-half performance was not up to the standards that we have set ourselves.

"In a half where we should have controlled proceedings and essentially put the game to bed we didn’t show the composure that you’d expect from a relatively-experienced group.

“It took young Morgan Skidmore to come on to inject some much-needed energy and enthusiasm into our play.

“We are grateful for the three points but we will look forward to putting in a better showing in our next game.

“Lee (Hooper, co-manager) and I have much to ponder in selecting the team for the next game.”

Malvern: Pinder, Hayes (Smith 46), Hunt, Wickett, Febery, Craven (Skidmore 72), Loader, Evans, Reynolds, Turner (Fusco 85), Clark. Subs not used: Chowns-Higgs, Dyde.