JADE Smith's winning goal ten minutes from time secured what could be a crucial win for Malvern Town Women in their pursuit to win the league title. 

Smith made no mistake after an accurate ball from Millie Meadows as Malvern made it a seventh straight win in the Midwest Counties Female Football League to go four points clear at the top of the table. 

Town have played three games more than their rivals below them but there seems to be no stopping Mark Taylor's side as their bid to win the league continues to gather pace. 

"The performance was good," admitted manager Taylor.

"We did a lot of things right and ultimately our quality was too much for the opposition.

"On another day, the small details or decisions we made on the ball could have handed us a more healthy victory but nevertheless, it’s an excellent result and keeps us very much interested in the title race!"

It had been a frustrating start to the afternoon on Sunday as Malvern struggled to break down their visitors but the opening goal did come just before the half-time break. 

Maggie Smith picked up the ball deep in the Sporting half before slipping the ball through to Jade Smith, who slotted home to make it 1-0. 

Midway through the second-half, the visitors were awarded a penalty to everyone’s disbelief when a player in an offside position was adjudged to have been fouled by  Malvern keeper Emma Cropper.

And despite the raised flag, a penalty was awarded and then dispatched for 1-1 by Sporting's Amy Kendall. 

Despite their frustrations, Malvern picked themselves up and plugged away until they forced a winner ten minutes from time. 

Meadows hit a superb ball straight into the path of J. Smith who made no mistake for the second time of the afternoon to secure what could be a huge three points for Malvern. 

They have three games left and still require Redditch Borough and Hereford Pegasus to slip up, but they are very much in the conversation.