LANGLAND Stadium visitors Leamington are by far the best supported team in the Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance but their fans were silenced on Tuesday as Town romped to a 4-1 victory.

MALVERN TOWN 4, LEAMINGTON 1

Malvern's average home gate of 94 was boosted to a highest of the season, 196, by the travelling fans, some of the average 462 that Leamington attract at home.

In Malvern's first attack, they took the lead when Jukes' corner was powerfully headed home by Marc Burrow. It got even better when, on ten minutes, good play between Shepherd and Owen set up Phil Preedy to drive hard and low past Morris.

Leamington's only effort was a Sidwell free-kick which sailed well over the top.

Wingers Lee Tomkins and Preedy were causing havoc down the flanks keeping Leamington on the retreat. Morris thwarted Owen with a good save but on 24 minutes Owen showed his finishing prowess when he latched onto a Rich Tomkins' through-ball to give keeper Morris no chance as he fired home from an acute angle.

Leamington caught Malvern napping and responded immediately when McKay rose to head home a Jonathan corner for 3-1.

This was the only time Leamington threatened the Malvern defence of Tomkins, Williams, Jukes and Burrow, who were outstanding.

Malvern were unlucky not to increase their lead when Preedy's inch-perfect corner to Jukes led to his volley from 25 yards rattling the crossbar.

Whittington and Bullock worked tirelessly in midfield to keep Malvern on top. Paris denied Owen when his last-ditch tackle halted the striker.

The second-half was not quite as fast as the first and efforts from Adams and Jonathan didn't test Humphries.

Malvern replied and Bullock went close on two occasions.

With both sides using all their subs, the game was still wide open. Rik Halion battled his way through to set up Shepherd but the striker shot just wide.

Malvern were not to be denied when on 78 minutes, a mazey Preedy run past three defenders ended with his shot parried straight to Mark Owen, one of the Alliance's leading goalscorers, to fire home his 17th league goal of the season.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town are away at mid-table Oldbury United (3pm).

On Tuesday (January 21), Malvern have a crucial game when they entertain second-placed Coalville Town at Langland Stadium (7.45pm).

In-form Coalville have not been defeated since November 12.