MALVERN TOWN 2, LYE TOWN 1

MALVERN Town moved five points clear at the top of the Express and Star West Midlands Premier Division following Dean Roberts last gasp 89th winner at the Langland Stadium on Saturday.

To be fair it was no more than Town deserved following a second half display that tore their visitors apart, but lacked the final touch that should have secured a victory well before Roberts intervention.

The first period was a slightly more even affair, although Malvern took the lead in 22nd minute when Scott Morris flicked on a Craig Williams cross which enabled Des Cox to head home at the far post in the 22nd minute.

Malvern looked to have extended their lead just three minutes later when another outstanding cross from Williams was met by Cox, but Lye keeper Paul Hampton saved superbly at the foot of his right hand post.

In the 30th minute Hampton this time denied Rik Halion which appeared to be a pivotal moment, as just three minutes later Adie Evason took full advantage of some indecision in the home defence, to rifle the ball past Dave Alden to secure his side an equaliser.

The second period was a different story as a Town laid siege on the visitors goal.

Firstly Halion saw a header cleared off the line and Scott Morris saw a lob scrambled away to safety, another Halion header was superbly tipped over the bar by Hampton and then Roberts saw a fierce drive do everything but end up in the opposition's net.

With just two minutes left on the clock an excellent inswinging Williams' corner needed only a touch to end up in the back of the net, but it looked like it was going to be one of those days for the Town.

Then, an identical ball from Williams was headed home powerfully by Dean Roberts to set up scenes of much jubilation from players and spectators.

More Town news on pages 93 and 95.