MALVERN Town finally clinched the Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division title following Tuesday night's 2-0 success at Bromyard.

BROMYARD TOWN 0, MALVERN TOWN 2

In what proved to be a dramatic finale to the league season Town pipped Tipton to the title, having seen their Black Country rivals drop five points in their last two games.

Malvern, who have now completed their league programme, lead the table by four points, with Tipton still having one game to play at home to Market Drayton tomorrow (Saturday).

This was Town's first ever West Midlands Regional League title and only their second ever title success, having won the Midland Combination Division One title back in 1956.

In front of a large crowd at Bromyard's Delahay Meadow, Malvern were soon in their stride and the home side had goalkeeper Adie Hipkins to thank for keeping them in the game, as he made superb saves from Scott Morris and Phil Preedy in the first five minutes.

As Malvern continued to press, Town thought they had taken the lead when Des Cox brilliantly headed home a Nathan Jukes free-kick, only to see the linesman rule his header out for offside.

Dave Cannon then saw a header superbly clawed off the goal line by Hipkin and Rik Halion fired over with the goal at his mercy. In between times Dave Alden in the Malvern goal wasn't ever seriously threatened, but was relieved to see efforts from Carl Fairhurst and Chris Allen dip narrowly over the crossbar.

But it was Malvern who deservedly took the lead in the 38th minute, when Andy Chalmers threaded the ball into the path of the excellent Phil Preedy, who ran on to register a brilliant 20-yard strike that for once not even Hipkin could get a hand to.

The second half followed a not too dissimilar pattern, with the Town defence of Chalmers, Cannon and Nick Clayton holding firm, and the midfield of Craig Williams, Jukes, Halion, Preedy and Nathan Owen all going about their task to good effect.

Up front Scott Morris, leading the line in the place of injured leading scorer Dean Roberts was a constant threat, as was the predatory Cox.

In 67th minute Malvern had one scare but Alden safely gathered.

But this was always going to be Malvern's night and just five minutes later, Cox broke on the left-hand side and drilled a low shot past Hipkin, much to the delight of the large Malvern support.

Malvern were now content to sit out the remainder of the game and the introduction of Adam Baldwin shored things up further. Lee Hooper was also introduced for the final ten minutes, as Town boss Neil Hunt continued to kill the game off to ensure there were no last-minute scares

At the final whistle the Town players and supporters celebrated together on the pitch to conclude a memorable night for all concerned, as Town now look forward to their elevation to the Travel Factory Midlands Football Alliance.

- Town still have two chances for more silverware and contest the WFA Senior Urn tonight (Friday) against Alvechurch at Evesham United (7.30) and then on Monday (May 17), play their Premier Division Cup final at Ludlow Town against Brierley & Hagley Alliance (7.45).

The league championship trophy will be presented to Town following Monday's final. Supporters' coaches will be running to both games and details are available from the club on 01684 574068.