TWO goals from Luke Whittington on Saturday took Malvern Town to the top of the Harvey World Travel Midland Alliance.

MALVERN TOWN 2, ROCESTER 0

The home side started the game 25 points clear of basement-club visitors Rocester, but a lack-lustre display gave the Langland Stadium faithful plenty of nervous moments.

Rocester had a couple of early chances but both efforts were fired wide and when Mark Owen had Malvern's first clear chance, he fired straight at goalkeeper Wood.

Malvern clawed their way in front in the 22nd minute when excellent play by Mark Shepherd set up Luke Whittington to tap-in from close range.

Rocester hit back and Smith headed wide a Hancox cross when he was in front of goal.

Malvern lacked width and Owen and Shepherd were being denied the cross balls they thrive on but they were working hard chasing long balls.

Town increased their lead just before half-time when keeper Wood could only parry an Owen effort and Whittington was on hand to grab his second goal.

The second-half was still a struggle for Malvern, who continued to play long balls down the middle with very little coming in from the flanks.

Payne and Smith missed chances for the visitors before Town's first effort on goal saw Wood turn a Darren Bullock free-kick round the post in the 85th minute.

In injury time, Wood denied Chalmers with another fine save but a sigh of relief echoed round Langland Stadium as the final whistle went.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern Town are away on league duty at Loughborough Dynamo (3pm) but return to Langland Stadium next Saturday (October 29), when Oadby Town are the visitors.