BELL Inn 98 remained at the top of the table and retained the only 100 per cent record in thesoccersite.co.uk Malvern Football League on Sunday.

This was courtesy of a hard-earned 2-0 victory over hard-working visitors Talbot Head. It was a very tight and tense first- half with the best chance falling to Talbot Head right on the stroke of half-time. Bell Inn 98 were indebted to keeper Luke Ledbury, who pulled of an acrobatic save to keep it 0-0 at the break.

The second-half followed a similar pattern, with chances few and far between but gradually the Bell began to create more chances. They were unlucky in the 65th minute when, following a good move, Ashley Jones was just off target. Bell Inn eventually took the lead in the 75th minute when Dan Herbert turned in the box and fired in a shot that beat the keeper at the near post.

Chris Grubb made the points safe in the 85th minute with a goal which not only made him top scorer so far this season, but made him the all-time record goalscorer for the club in its eighth season of competition.

Second-placed Cross Keys had no problems scoring when they visited Oak Academy. Despite being shocked when Oak Academy pulled it back to 1-1 early in the game, they then went on to notch a hatfull of goals to record a 13-1 victory. Their goals came courtesy of Jamie Abba, Paul Edwards, Ollie Endacott, hat-tricks for Michael Cole and substitute Craig Humphries, who despite being the normal keeper is riding high in Cross Keys' goal scorers list, and four from Mark Taylor, with the home side's reply came from John Clarke.

Dynamo Ledbury retained third place with a 5-2 victory over visitors Fromes Hill Reserves, with goals from Mitch Preedy and two each for Nathan Dixon and Adam Thomas. Fromes' goals came from a Tom Wood penalty and a splendid effort from Chas Jones.

There was an enthralling contest at Sling Lane where Keyz 04 entertained Oak Allstars, who eventually moved up to fourth place following a hard-earned 3-1 victory.

Oak took the lead following fine work by debutee Tim Rutherford, the ball fell to Jamie James who slotted it home. Keyz 04 were more than matching their illustrious visitors and they pulled it back to 1-1 early in the second-half with Chris Golding battling his way through the visitors' back four to fire home.

At this stage the game could of gone either way but Keyz 04 suffered a series of injuries to defenders which disrupted their play. Oak Allstars regained the lead when Mark Toman worked his way into the box before passing to James Dean, who made no mistake.

Tim Rutherford capped a fine display with a goal which wrapped up the game when, following a series of passes with James Dean, he hammered home an unstoppable shot.

Ganglands were at it again when they entertained Keys Victoria but they surprised themselves by actually keeping a clean sheet in a 7-0 victory. Their goals came from Gordon Mansell, Stuart Preece with a bullet like header, and two from Richard Taylor and a Tom Bethell hat-trick.

Belmont Keys entertained a much-improved Oak Misfits in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Belmont had the chance to take the lead after only 30 seconds when they were awarded a penalty but Gavin Smith's spot-kick was well-saved by keeper Chris Hodges, who then made several good saves to thwart Dave Perera and Rob Jones.

Misfits took the lead in the 29th minute when Rhys Watkins took a free-kick that looped up in the air and Dave Booth bundled it into the net from close range. With Chris Hodges making several more saves and Stuart Crowe and Chris Goodrum performing well in midfield, it looked like the visitors would hold out to earn their first victory. But, following the award of another penalty, Rob Jones stepped up to find the back of the net, despite keeper Chris Hodges getting a hand to it, and so earn Belmont a point.

There was a rare scoreline at Fromes Hill where the match with Ledbury Rangers ended in a goalless draw, last season there was only one such scoreline all season in both divisions and cup matches.

This Sunday sees a clash of the top two sides at Sling Lane, where Bell Inn 98 will be looking to retain their 100 per cent record and home side Cross Keys will be hoping to go top with a victory.