MALVERN Town turned in one of their best Express and Star West Midlands League Premier Division performances of the season when they thumped in-form Brierley Hill 5-0 on Wednesday night at their hosts' Halesowen-based headquarters.

BRIERLEY HILL & HAGLEY ALLIANCE 0, MALVERN TOWN 5

There was really only one result on the cards once Lee Hooper had latched on to a Dean Roberts header to secure his side a second minute lead.

The second goal followed just eight minutes later, when Luke Willetts broke powerfully down the right. Although in a good shooting position, he squared the ball to the unmarked Roberts, who made no mistake.

In the 22nd minute, the contest was as good as over, when Nathan Owen was fed by Mark Johnson, and outpaced the static home defence to finish convincingly.

Owen, grabbed his second and Malvern's fourth in the 36th minute when he found himself unmarked in the box and finished with ease.

Town were prevented grabbing a fifth goal on the stroke of half time, when Willetts and then Hooper, were denied by an outstanding double save by the home keeper.

The home side started the second half with much more intent, but when Melvyn Watson had made what was his only real worthwhile save of the game, in the 49th minute, from a point blank header, Town were soon back in their stride.

Willetts again broke free in the 55th minute, but fired wide of an upright, and then Dean Roberts tried to chip the keeper in a one on one situation, but was comfortably denied.

But the inevitable fifth goal came in the 82nd minute, when Owen's delicate chip secured his hat-trick, which keeps Town well among the pacesetters.

Under 18s

TOWN'S U18s were due to take on Sutton Coldfield Town last night (Thursday) in the semi final of the WFA County Youth Cup, and warmed up in style with 5-0 success in the Midland Youth League at Evesham on Monday night.

Lee Hooper bagged a brace and there was one each for, Will Murtagh, Dave Sanders and Dale Humphreys

On Monday the youngsters are in action at Gloucester City in a League fixture (7.30pm).

The Reserves

THE Reserves continued their quest for a top six Express and Star West Midlands League Division One (South) spot, with a 3-2 victory at home to Mahal last Saturday.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Reserves visit Wyre Forest Brintons (2.45pm).