WELLAND completed an early season double over West Malvern which was dominated from start to finish by a hungry Welland team who would top the league by winning this match, as other competed in the Phipps Cup for which these contestants had byes.

WEST MALVERN 1, WELLAND ATHLETIC 9

Ironically, man of the match was West Malvern's 16-year-old debutant keeper Nick Garth, who saved more efforts than he let in.

After Si Craddock and Steve Morris put Welland 2-0 up in eight minutes, the writing appeared to be on the wall, but a mistimed header into the sun by Thackeray gave Lee Tracey the opportunity to go one-on-one with Scrivener in goal to reduce the arrears for West Malvern.

Craddock made it 3-1 before the interval and with the West defence creaking Welland switched to a more attacking formation introducing the influential Brendan Watson in midfield and Tom Crump and Adam Derrington in attack.

Goals flowed, particularly from pin point crosses from Tom Holland on Welland's right. Si Craddock finally notched five, Ed Wray and Paul Edwards one apiece and a spectacular overhead kick from Adam Derrington.

With a flu-depleted team reduced to ten men in the second second half due to injury, credit to West Malvern and Nick Garth in particular for persevering to the end.

Welland take on Oak Apple at the Hill, Upton tomorrow (Saturday), at 2.15pm kick off.

West Malvern, sponsored jointly by Amey and the Cross Keys, are at home to the Lamb & Flag. Players report to dressing rooms at 1.30pm.