TWO goals against the run of play from striker James Lush earned Malvern Town their best result of the season.

Les Jones’ side defeated previously unbeaten West Midlands Football League Premier Division leaders Lye Town 2-0 at the Langland Stadium.

Malvern now go into tomorrow’s home league game with mid-table Smethwick Rangers (3pm) in confident mood. The 13th-placed hosts adopted a defensive siege mentality against misfiring Lye.

The Black Country outfit struck the woodwork four times and there were inspired saves from Malvern keeper Ian Hill alongside defiant defending.

Hill blocked from Steve Weaver early on but was then grateful to Richard Anslow for lifting a golden chance over from 12 yards.

Stand-in Lye keeper Ben Jevons, normally a midfielder, was beaten when sloppy play gifted Lush an opportunity from a narrow angle.

Ben Wilkins was denied an equaliser by an offside flag and Hill smothered from forward Weaver.

Lye’s Damian Whitcombe hit the bar following a corner before the assistant referee’s flag prevented Anslow’s cool finish from counting.

Wilkins struck the Malvern woodwork with a 25-yard free-kick and Hill parried a rising drive from Anslow.

But the hosts almost added a second goal just before half-time when Jevons fumbled a corner. Malvern held on in the second period as Hill tipped away substitute Kevin Nickle’s header and saw Anslow again denied by an offside decision.

The mid-table side secured a second goal when Lush reacted first after Dave Reynolds’ shot from Louis Loader’s pass was pushed onto the bar by Jevons.

Chris Allen nodded Steve Lodge’s effort off the line as Malvern’s goal continued to lead a charmed life.

Nickle struck the post from an angle after rounding Hill, who then grabbed the ball when Wilkins headed against the inside of an upright.

Joe Endacott and Allen were heroes in defence for the hosts.

  • Bromyard Town contested a high-scoring Herefordshire derby with Wellington at Delahay Meadow.

The visitors won 6-3 with Sam Hayward, Alex Taffe and Guiseppe Maffei netting for 15th-placed Bromyard.