MALVERN Town bounced back from two defeats with a deserved 4-0 victory to end Bewdley Town's unbeaten start in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

Town made the perfect start on bank holiday Monday in the first two minutes as a free-kick was pumped into the area and Joshua Hunt headed back across goal for Adam Sauntson to find the net.

In a lively opening Matt Fusco's through-ball set Hunt racing away in the 12th minute only for the keeper to clear his lines.

Malvern keeper Charlie Weaver punched a free-kick clear before the hosts, who had been knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, doubled their advantage on 22 minutes.

A pass over the top from Matt Turner set Hunt away and he stayed cool to lift the ball home.

Turner had an effort well saved from close range and Hunt saw a header stopped by Joe Sidaway.

The experienced Ryan Rowe was denied by Weaver and then again early in the second half with Luke Sidaway's rebound attempt cleared off the line by Sauntson.

Malvern's Ben Lane had a shot saved by the keeper and a low effort went just wide.

But they extended their lead on 65 minutes as Turner found Hunt who lifted the ball over the keeper from distance.

Simon Rudd rattled the Malvern woodwork before Hunt completed his hat-trick on 81 minutes when he stroked home a through-ball.

Co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams said: “The lads were really disappointed after Saturday so it was important we dug deep, stuck to our game plan and worked hard.

“It was a very good team display. We did well defensively and looked a threat going forward.

“It was also nice to see Josh get his hat-trick with three fantastic finishes.

“As the game went on we started to really open them up and looked dangerous every time we attacked.

“There is plenty of quality in this team. We need to be able to show it on a consistent basis and if we can do that we won’t go far wrong.”

Next up is a trip to Rugby Borough on Saturday in the Buildbase FA Vase first qualifying round (3pm).

“Our ambition is to go as far as we can in the competition,” added Whittal-Williams.

“There is no reason why we can’t go there and get a result to make progress.

“We’ll hopefully get plenty of support behind us at the weekend. We’ll go there well prepared and determined to work hard and enjoy the occasion.”

Malvern: Weaver, J Sauntson, Griffiths (Noke 78), A Sauntson, J Smith, Febery (Parker 73), Turner (Whitton 78), Webb, Hunt, Fusco, Lane. Subs not used: Aldington, Clark.