MALVERN Town went five points clear at the top of the Midland Alliance with a rear-guard action as they were forced to defend for most of the second-half.

BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS 0, MALVERN TOWN 1

Malvern went into this fixture without the services of Nathan Jukes, skipper Darren Bullock, Mark Owen, Phil Preedy, Pete Roberts and Rik Halion.

Malvern started the better and from their first attack should have taken the lead, when Luke Whittington released Dean Roberts through on goal but the striker volleyed wide.

From a Duncan Preedy corner, Marc Burrows headed just wide before Malvern took a deserved lead.

In the 16th minute, Dean Williams' pass put Preedy clear and he fired hard and low across the keeper from 12 yards.

The game was void of many clear-cut chances but just before the break, Humphries brilliantly tipped Jimmy Quiggin's shot around the post.

Boldmere started the second-half all guns blazing but new signing Jones, with fellow defenders Burrows, Andy Chalmers and Nick Clayton, defended manfully and restricted Boldmere to only one clear-cut chance. Kevin Charley was through on goal but found Humphries his equal by diving bravely at Charley's feet and preventing an equaliser.

Malvern's only real effort on the Boldmere goal in the second-half was a goalmouth scramble when Anstiss saved from Williams. Whittington then had a long-range effort deflected.

With time running out, Boldmere's last ditch effort saw Quiggin's long-range shot brilliantly tipped over by Humphries to give Malvern their ninth clean sheet in 18 matches and their 16th victory.

Although having to defend for long periods, Malvern's team spirit and attitude got them past a strong Boldmere side who had won their last five games.

Malvern Town have two games over the Christmas break, on Boxing Day Bank Holiday Monday (December 26) they have a league game against Westfields at Langland Stadium, kick-off noon. The following Friday (December 30) they travel to Coalville Town, kick-off 7.45pm.