MALVERN Town moved level on points with leaders Tividale in the West Midlands League Premier Division after a 7-1 home thrashing of Dudley Sports.

Les Jones' side are only second on goal difference following a stylish win in their first league game since November 25.

It extended Town's victorious run in the competition to seven games ahead of Saturday's visit to mid-table Wednesfield (3pm).

Malvern bossed the early chances against Dudley with Lewis Platt shooting across the face of goal and Louis Loader seeing his dipping free-kick stopped by keeper Ewan Mountjoy at the base of the post.

Town went ahead in the 18th minute when Platt was supplied by Phil Harris' fine cross-field pass and he ran into the box to fire home despite the efforts of Mountjoy as the ball crept over the line.

The Sports keeper saved from Matt Fusco but was beaten again on 41 minutes when Kyle Belmonte fired in from the edge of the box after a corner was not cleared.

Calls for a penalty were turned down five minutes into the second half when Platt was tackled in the box.

But three minutes later Mountjoy could again only help Platt's lofted effort into the net.

Harry Wickett flicked in Loader's delivery for goal number four on 58 minutes.

The busy Mountjoy denied Belmonte's half-volley and the same player hit the inside of the post soon after.

Striker Josh Hunt, a new signing from Wellington, marked his debut with a goal on 71 minutes when firing in a cross.

Dene Whittal-Williams was twice denied by a block and the keeper as Malvern tried to add to their tally.

Sam Whitton's header from Henry Dyde's assist was ruled out for offside and then Platt beat two defenders before firing over.

Eleven minutes from time, Hunt challenged Mountjoy for the ball which was eventually bundled into the net.

Whitton got on the scoresheet with a 20-yard lob on 88 minutes.

Despite the free scoring, Malvern could not keep a clean sheet as a defensive mistake allowed Joshua Harris-James to squeeze the ball past keeper Charlie Weaver from a narrow angle.