MANAGER Les Jones praised his players’ strength of character as Malvern Town bounced back from their FA Cup exit with three straight wins.

A 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Wolverhampton Casuals saw Town crash out at the extra preliminary round stage earlier this month.

But Malvern are now riding high at the top of the West Midlands League Premier Division table after beating Bilston Town Community 4-3, Wellington Amateurs 5-2 and Wednesfield 3-2.

“I have been really pleased with the response after being beaten in the FA Cup,” Jones said.

“In the second game against Bilston we were 2-0 down, but we showed enough character to come back and win the game.

“To bounce back from a heavy defeat and being in a losing position in the next game to win and then build on it with two more wins since then has been really good.

“It’s effectively a new team, so to be able to turn things around like we have done is a really good characteristic to show.”

Jones says he has also been encouraged by his side’s form in front of goal after losing last season’s top scorer Dave Reynolds to Worcester City this summer.

Town have netted 12 times with Matt Turner bagging braces in Town’s last two games.

Josh Weatherby opened the scoring against Wednesfield on Wednesday night before the visitors levelled on 23 minutes.

The pattern of scoring continued in the second half as Turner’s effort was cancelled out. But with 10 minutes to go Turner netted the winner.

“After losing Dave it was initially concerning,” Jones said.

“But our front three of Weatherby, Evans and Turner have all scored at least a couple which is really encouraging.”

Although Town top the table, Jones insists “it does not mean anything” at this stage as they prepare to visit Dudley Sports tomorrow (3pm).

“The results are all mixed at this time of year as teams have got players away on holiday,” he added. “You won’t get a true picture of the strengths of the teams until six or seven games in.”

Centre-back Dene Whittal-Williams is expected to return but winger Harry Wicket and defender Jake Willcox are on holiday.