JOINT-MANAGER Dene Whittal-Williams praised the togetherness of his side after Malvern Town thrashed Dudley Town 5-1 at York Road.

A Josh Hunt brace and goals from Harry Clark, Louis Loader and Matt Turner saw the visitors storm to victory in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division on Wednesday night.

Whittal-Williams was delighted with the win as Dudley drew level at the start of the second period before Malvern ran out comfortable winners.

“We created a lot of chances and really showed our ability,” Whittal-Williams said.

“I felt that we defended well for the large part of the game and scored some good goals.

“There were aspects of our play that weren’t quite up to what we expect, but there’s a real togetherness about this group of players and they showed the character needed to get the result.

“The dressing room is great with everyone buying in to what we are trying to achieve here and it was good to see lads putting their bodies on the line right up to the end and giving a good account of themselves.”

After a lively opening both sides created great chances in quick succession just before the half-hour mark.

Curtis Smith played in Hunt who was thwarted by the keeper and then Jovan Blake-Walker failed to turn the ball home from in front of goal.

The opening goal arrived on 34 minutes when Loader played through Hunt whose effort was cleared off the line.

But as the ball stayed alive, it found its way to Clark who was able to find the net.

After the break Hunt and Ben Lane missed chances before the home side levelled matters on the hour mark.

A long clearance from the keeper found Blake-Walker who still had plenty to do as he curled home into the top corner.

But four minutes later Town regained the lead when Hunt’s strike flew home.

That soon became 3-1 as Loader let fly from distance and the ball sailed into the net.

The hosts’ keeper did well to deny Turner and Peter Smith but with 15 minutes to go Matt Fusco found Hunt who slotted home to make it 4-1.

Malvern then completed a resounded win on 85 minutes when Turner struck after Clark showed good feet.

Saturday sees fourth-placed Town visit Dudley Sports (3pm).

Malvern: Weaver, C Smith (Watkins 82), P Smith, A Sauntson (Webb 76), J Sauntson, Febery, Lane (Turner 64), Loader, Hunt, Fusco, Clark. Not used: Whitton, Whittle-Williams.