MALVERN Town tasted victory in their latest pre-season friendly with a deserved 3-0 success at higher-ranked Bishop’s Cleeve.

Ben Miller and Ethan Moran scored along with an own goal.

“It was a good win and an excellent team performance,” said Malvern co-manager Lee Hooper.

“We took an early lead courtesy of a well-worked goal which was finished off by Ben.

“The lads worked hard in the heat and managed to open the home defence up on a number of occasions as we went in at the break deservedly in front.

“Our pressure finally told with a second goal as a home defender put into his own net before we added a third when Moran beat a couple of players before slotting home.

“We were really pleased with the performance. It was a good workout for us and we were more fluent in possession than we have been in our previous games.

“We also worked hard to win the ball back out of possession and it was nice to see us keep a clean sheet.”

Malvern head up to Lancashire to take on Fulwood Amateurs on Saturday (3pm) and then go to Westfields on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Last Saturday, two goals in each half condemned Malvern to a 4-0 defeat at higher-ranked Boldmere St Michaels.

On a 3G surface Matt Turner had two good first-half chances and Bryan Craven went close after the break.

“It was a hard-working performance, especially in the first half,” said co-manager Dene Whittal-Williams.

“We played some decent stuff and carved open a couple of really good chances during the opening period.

“After playing on Thursday the lads looked a bit leggy as the game went on but they kept going.

“We’ve just got to keep building, getting more minutes into the players and build up our fitness levels.”

Town previously played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at West Midlands League Division One side Droitwich Spa.

“It was another good run-out for us,” admitted Hooper.

“We had a few more lads get their first minutes of the pre-season under their belts.

“There were a lot of positives to take from the game plus things that we need to take away and work on to put right.

“We conceded a late equaliser which was a kick in the teeth but we know we could have done more going forward before that to seal the win.”

Malvern's first competitive game will be in the FA Cup at home to Whitchurch Alport on Saturday, August 10.

But the venue is to be confirmed with pitch work ongoing at the HDanywhere Community Stadium and all games being away from home until November 2.

Malvern's Hellenic League Division One West opener is due to be at Thornbury Town on Tuesday, August 13.