MALVERN Town recorded a resounding victory over Midland Alliance basement boys Cradley Town.

The hosts took the lead after only two minutes when Mike Rhodes, making his league debut for the club, slotted the ball home after good work down the left.

A minute later he passed the ball to Craig Selby who cleverly chipped keeper Richard Kennedy but was judged offside.

Two minutes later it was Cradley’s turn to be denied as Benjamin Store’s effort was chalked off by the assistant.

Malvern increased their lead on 20 minutes, Andrew Crosskey weaving his way into the box before finishing.

Cradley halved the deficit five minutes into the second period when Daniel Ludlow cracked in a sparkling free-kick from the edge of the area.

The goal spurred Malvern on and heavy pressure resulted in three goals in eight minutes.

Selby got the third in the 57th minute and Mike Rhodes drilled in the fourth off the crossbar four minutes later.

Crosskey grabbed his second in the 65th minute.

Cradley found keeper Lewis Skyers in outstanding form to prevent a fight-back.