MALVERN Town returned to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph over lowly Bilston Town Community in the West Midlands League Premier Division despite playing with 10 men for 50 minutes.

The HDanywhere Community Stadium hosts started well in blustery conditions as an early header from Joshua Hunt dropped just over.

The opener arrived in the 10th minute when Steve Webb launched a raid before finding Matt Turner whose marauding run was illegally ended on the edge of the area.

Aaron Griffiths delivered the free-kick onto the head of Adam Sauntson who made no mistake.

Malvern keeper Charlie Weaver blocked from Hayden Hughes and a corner was touched inches wide by a visiting head.

Sufyan Zia curled a free-kick onto the bar as Bilston threatened again.

Turner went close with a powerful drive for Malvern while at the other end Hughes was just off target with a low strike from outside the area.

On 28 minutes link-up play between Webb and Harry Clark saw the latter break into the area only to see his low strike well saved.

The next raid ended with Ben Lane’s progress halted inside the box but Turner's penalty was thwarted by the keeper.

Malvern's resulting corner was met with a deft header from Clark that crept inches wide.

Dilano Reid's effort dipped just over for Bilston.

But then there was a red card for Malvern skipper Louis Loader following a heavy challenge before a shot on the turn from Lane went close.

An inviting cross from Griffiths was headed over by Turner early in the second period.

But Malvern made it 2-0 on 50 minutes when Turner broke clear before feeding Hunt who made no mistake.

Shortly afterwards a raid from the visitors broke down and a long ball over the top caught Bilston out as Hunt won his battle with the keeper before stroking into an empty net.

Weaver denied Reid and tipped over from Rivaldo Miguel on the hour.

The Bilston keeper saved from Phil Harris before a volley from Hunt was deflected onto the bar.

Turner burst clear only to be thwarted and from the corner Dan Noke headed just wide as Malvern ran out worthy winners with a clean sheet.

Co-manager Lee Hooper said: “This was just what we needed after Tuesday’s setback (3-1 home defeat to Cradley Town).

“It was important for us to get the three points and get back into winning ways.

“We played the conditions well. It was difficult out there but the lads dug in and worked hard for each other.

“It was disappointing to go down to 10 men. We put Louis in a vulnerable position where he had to make the challenge but our 10 men did well in the second half and it was a deserved victory in the end.

“There are some tough games coming up but it’s a case of onwards and upwards now and continuing to push forwards.”

Malvern host Dudley Town tonight (7.45pm).

Malvern: Weaver, Webb (Noke 78), Griffiths, A Sauntson, J Sauntson, Harris, Turner, Loader, Hunt (M Pinder 84), Clark (Dyde 75), Lane. Subs not used: Fusco, C Smith.