HARLIE Price scored a crucial first goal for his new club as Malvern Town again came from behind to beat Hereford Lads Club late on and stretch their lead at the top of the league.

Striker Price came off the bench to score the winner in the 85th minute for The Hillsiders, who pushed themselves five points clear of Cribbs at the summit of the Hellenic League Premier. 

Just like at the weekend, Malvern conceded early but this time from the spot as Brandon Jennings tucked home a sixth-minute penalty.

But their response was swift and Lewis Spurrier soon had them level before Dave Reynolds gave Town a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Jennings again converted a penalty in the second-half and it looked as if Malvern were going to drop vital points in the title race before Price came on and won it.

Despite having played three more than second-placed Cribbs, Tuesday's win was another sign that Malvern are not going anywhere in the race to become champions and gain automatic promotion.

And co-manager Lee Hooper was a happy, maybe slightly relieved, man at full-time.

Worcester News:

"Really pleased with the lads for sticking at it, we were up against it but it's a great result, this is a tough place to come."," said Hooper.

"The penalty first-up, I think there was maybe one person who thought it was a penalty in the ground and I thought there were some funny decisions in there from the referee.

"But we stuck at it and I am thrilled for Harlie (Price) to come on and get his first goal for us. I am sure there will be many more of them to come. That's what he's about, he doesn't need many chances.

"Every game in this league is difficult, they are all tough but now we have to prepare and get ourselves set for another big game on Saturday.

"A big thanks to the travelling fans as ever. They were great yet again and were behind us until the end, which always helps us."

Malvern head to Bradford Town on Saturday, February 11, looking to keep the wins coming.