Jordan Annear's festive double saw Bishops Cleeve secure a statement win at previously second placed Malvern Town on Boxing Day as they cemented their place at the top of the league.

Cleeve now have a nine point lead at the summit of the Hellenic League Premier, whilst Malvern slipped down to fourth as a consequence of a rare defeat.

Annear hit twice in 12 first-half minutes either side of Dave Reynolds' headed for the hosts to give them a 2-1 lead at the break.

Jack Watts tucked away a 55th minute penalty in the second period to secure the three points against their Covid hit hosts.

Malvern had five first-team players ruled out prior to kick-off but still fielded a strong side and were lively early on as Harry Clark was proving dangerous for The Hillsiders.

But it was the visitors who took the lead after 24 minutes when Kieran Alder's pin-point cross was nodded home by Annear who was unmarked six yards out.

Watts went close afterwards as Cleeve looked to double their advantage but Malvern equalised with ten minutes to go until half-time when striker Reynolds headed home from Clark's brilliant delivery.

But the game was level for all of two minutes before Annear reestablished Cleeve's two-goal lead when he finished past Keiron Blackburn in the Malvern goal after Watts's though ball.

Watts was involved once more as he was brought down in the box with 55 minutes on the clock and he dusted himself down before dispatching the spot kick into the back of the net for what was the eventual winning goal.