MATT Turner struck twice on his return as Malvern Town extended their winning streak to six with a 4-0 victory over AFC Bridgnorth at the HDanywhere Community Stadium.

The in-form striker’s double came either side of goals from Shaun Smith and Kyonn Evans as the hosts maintained their lead at the top of West Midlands League Premier Division.

Town were without Turner, who has now scored nine goals in five league games, for their 2-1 win over Wellington last Wednesday and he did not take long to make an impression against Bridgnorth.

With two minutes on the clock, the forward chipped keeper Chris Crook only for the ball to land on the top of the net.

Turner also sent an overhead kick wide after Max Kontic-Coveney’s low show was cleared off the line. At the other end, Bridgnorth came agonisingly close as Liam Bood shot narrowly wide after Charlie Weaver’s clearance kick hit his chest.

But Malvern took the lead on 24 minutes when Turner reacted first to a cross from Evans and flicked the ball into the net.

The home side continued to pose problems as Jake Willcox and Turner missed chances before the interval.

Three minutes into the second period a free-kick by Adam Sauntson ricocheted off the wall and Crook tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Bridgnorth were hanging in there as Jason Pike made a wonderful clearance to deny Evans before Smith had a shot blocked by a defender.

But on 70 minutes Town grabbed their second as a deep cross from Chris Parker found Willcox who headed it back to Smith to nod home.

Malvern pulled further clear at 3-0 on 82 minutes when Sam O’Neill played in Evans who steadied himself and fired home. Evans spurned two more opportunities late on, but in added time the ball was sent upfield to Turner who ran into the box and volleyed past Crook.

Les Jones’ men were scheduled to face Tividale on Saturday but the match has been cancelled as their opponents are in FA Cup action.

Town’s next match is on Saturday, September 9, when they entertain Smethwick in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase.

Meanwhile, Malvern’s under 21s travel to Tenbury Town in Herefordshire FA County League Premier Division on Saturday (2.30pm).