WEST Malvern completed their first home Worcester Division One victory of the season with a convincing 4-2 win over Oak Apple which moved them up four places off the bottom of the table.

WEST MALVERN 4, OAK APPLE 2

The West started brightly and were in front after three minutes. Good link up play between Will Hardy allowed Lee Tracey in to score from close range. Oak Apple came back strongly but after 15 minutes the West were two up, once again it was the same combination of Hardy and Lee Tracey, the latter scoring. Although Oak Apple put pressure on the West back four they played exceptionally well with Steve Newman distinguishing himself and pulling off numerous good saves.

The West should have gone three up when Will Hardy was upended in the box. Hardy took the penalty and the Oak Apple keeper saved brilliantly but from the resulting corner Will Hardy put the West three in front.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with the West striving to increase their lead but missing numerous chances. Oak Apple struck in the 60th minute to reduce the arrears. This stung the West into more attacking play and once again Will Hardy was on hand to score to give the West the 4-1 advantage. Oak Apple came back strongly and reduced the arrears yet again. Although both sides created chances neither could add to the score.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the West are away to league leaders Vine. Players meet at Eurohaus at 1.15pm or 1.45pm at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.

West Malvern, sponsored by Amey, would like to thank Friar Street Finance for sponsoring the match ball.