MALVERN Town Reserves started the new year with a 4-1 home victory over Hinton on Friday evening.

The hosts started the game slowly and looked rusty in the opening exchanges having not played for a few weeks over the festive period.

Debutant Chris Conway had a golden chance to open the scoring when he fired over from close range, before Hinton took the lead with their first foray forward.

But Malvern responded well and were back on level terms within two minutes, when Conway found the net with a good finish.

His goal prompted a period of better football from the hosts which led to them taking the lead when the hard-working Shaq Tulloch turned the ball home from close range.

Further chances came and went as the opening period came to a close.

The second-half started as the first had ended with Malvern on top but being unable to extend their lead.

A fine save by James Loader denied Hinton an equaliser on the counter, but the close call acted as a wake-up call as Malvern scored again with 70 minutes on the clock through Will Saunders.

Tulloch then added the fourth to secure all three points.

“This was a pleasing performance,” said manager Peter Daffin.

“We did well once we got into our stride having been without a game for a few weeks.

“Jake Churchill and Darren Critcher did well at the back, whilst Tom Emblem pulled the strings in the midfield as Will Saunders and Shaq Tulloch both worked hard.

“On another day Chris Conway could have had four or five goals, but he made his presence felt on his debut, whilst under-18s player, Luke Tulacz got 25 minutes under his belt and looks a good prospect.

“We would like to thank the supporters who turned up and gave us great backing in a crowd of 73.”