JOE Bullock proved to be the match winner on Saturday as Malvern Town prevailed in the wind and rain at league leaders Cribbs to cut the gap between the two sides to just a solitary point.

Hellenic League Premier table-toppers Cribbs were previously unbeaten and had dropped just six points all campaign before the visit of second-placed Malvern.

Four points separated the two going into the clash but it was the away side who were celebrating in the rain come full-time.

Bullock scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute as a cross into the box was missed by everyone bar the midfielder, who slotted home first-time before wheeling away in celebration.

Town had to battle hard in the latter stages of the match but they held on for a tenth league win in 11 matches to move to within a point of Cribbs.

"Overall I am happy," said a damp Lee Hooper at full-time.

"We got the goal that won the game and kept a clean sheet, so you have to be happy with that when you come to the side at the top of the league.

"But if we are being highly critical, we could have been better. We had 70-80 per cent of the ball in the first half and could have made better use of it.

"But with the wind and rain, coming away from home, against Cribbs, credit has to go to the lads.

"They dug in and clung on for a massive win."

Having lost for the first time in the league this season three games ago at Wantage, Town have responded with back-to-back victories to stabilise their promotion push.

They are back in action on Wednesday evening when they make the short trip to Hereford Lads Club (7.45pm kick-off).