MALVERN Town reserve team managers Paul Pallet and Dave Oakley took the opportunity to give members of the first team squad a run out against Bridgnorth Town Reserves in the West Midlands League Division One (South) at the Langland Stadium on Saturday.

MALVERN TOWN RES 3, BRIDGNORTH TOWN RES 1

The game proved a good test against their hard working visitors, but in the end it was two-goal Lee Hooper who helped Town to an eventual comfortable victory and maintained their climb up the table.

Richard Jones put the Town in front in the 17th minute with a dipping volley from the edge of the box.Just five minutes later, Luke Willett's cross shot was anticipated superbly by Hooper, who side footed the ball into the roof of the net.

Town's two goal advantage was short lived, as in the 26th minute an in swinging corner, deceived the Town defence and goalkeeper Ian Hunt, to bring the visitors back into the game.

The second period saw Town generally hold the upper hand with Lee Goodman, Richard Jones, Mark Taylor and Dean Spiers prominent in most of Town's best moments. But clear cut chances were generally few and far between, until Hooper converted an 81st minute penalty to secure the three points.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Reserves are at home to Ludlow Town Reserves in the Express and Star Division One (South), kick off is 2.45pm.