MALVERN Town reignited their promotion hopes with a 2-1 win over West Midlands League Premier Division leaders Wolverhampton Sporting Community.

Matt Turner was the star for Les Jones' men as he struck twice in an attacking opening period to give Town a 2-0 half-time lead at the HDanywhere Community Stadium.

Sporting hit back with a goal from Tom Hill, but Malvern produced a resolute defensive display in the second half to claim victory which saw them move within one point of top spot.

The first 20 minutes were very cagey with Town having most of the possession.

Sporting who had only previously lost once in the league this season suffered a blow midway through the half when Jak Barnes landed awkwardly.

After a six-minute delay, Barnes was carried off the pitch with a knee injury.

Once play resumed Jamie Smith slotted the ball through to Kyonn Evans who was one-on-one with keeper James Gettings, but his shot went wide.

On the half hour mark Malvern went ahead as Turner picked up the ball just inside the half and ran past a couple of defenders before firing a shot past Gettings.

Moments before the break, Turner went agonisingly close to scoring a second. After a poor kick from Gettings Evans played in Turner whose chipped attempt hit the crossbar.

But in the fifth minute of added time Turner did double Town's lead as he played a one-two with Evans and slammed the ball home.

There was still time for Evans to strike the post as Malvern finished the first 45 minutes in command.

Sporting came out for the second half with an attacking intent as they made two further substitutions to push more men up front.

But Malvern continued to threaten as Lewis Platt missed a great chance when he was found at the back post before Evans hit the crossbar.

Louis Loader was then denied on the 60th minute mark as his corner fizzed towards the near post only to be cleared off the line.

But the visitors responded as Dene Whittal-Williams came to the rescue on the line before the pressure told when Hill fired home from a corner on 71 minutes.

The goal set up a tense finale but Town's defence held firm and Charlie Weaver brought off some good saves to retain his side's lead and finish worthy winners.