MALVERN Town's chances of lifting the Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance increased over the last few days although the team didn't kick a ball in anger.

Their games on Saturday, at Cradley Town, and on Tuesday, at home to Romulus, were postponed due to ground conditions but results have gone their way.

The second, third and fourth placed teams all dropped points with Quorn losing at lowly Westfields and Romulus losing 4-1 at Tipton Town. Barwell drew 1-1 at home to Racing Club Warwick.

Another boost for Town is the promise that leading goalscorer Mark Owen is going to at least see the season out with them.

Former Worcester City ace Owen is wanted by Bromsgrove Rovers new manager Rod Brown but the striker insists he is staying with Malvern.

Town manager Neil Hunt said: "I've spoken to Mark (Owen) and he assures me that he signed for the season and he wants to win the league title.

"That's massive for us. We want to go up and Mark can help us achieve that. At the end of the day, we can't compete with the level of money that Bromsgrove Rovers can pay. But Mark said whatever they offer him, he will stay here."

Town are at home tomorrow (Saturday) against Loughborough Dynamo (3pm), when they will be presented with the league's team of the month award.

On Tuesday (January 17), they welcome Leamington (7.45pm)