PORTOBELLO took advantage of teams around them dropping points to move into fifth position in the Sterling Classic Malvern League.

However it wasn't all that rosy for Worcester based Portobello in the opening minutes of the game as Paul Aldridge fired in only his second goal of the season to give Plume of Feathers the lead. As the game progressed David Moore equalised for the visitors as they searched for their tenth win of the season. Their top goal scorer Neil Thomasson latched on to a cross to head in for Portobello just before half time and this turned out to be the winner. After the break Plume of Feathers had an uphill struggle going down to ten men but they managed to keep Portobello at bay as the score ended 2-1.

Ring of Bells reached double figures for the second week running as they overcame Bell Inn 98 at Ross Road Playing Fields. They won 12-2 thanks to five goals from Nicky Welsh, two from Chris Grubb and Mark Toman and one each from Jamie Boswell, Peter Brown and Dave Haynes.

Intermilokal showed glimpses of their mid-season form as they recorded their first league win since November 1, 1999 by beating visitors Fromes Hill Reserves. Mark Howells, Nick Dauncey and Matthew Lancett were on target for Intermilokal with Reserves scorer Tim Green adding some respectability to the score, as they were defeated 3-2.

Fromes Hill entertained The President's Cup finalists Club AC30 and they found themselves 1-0 down after the opening 45 minutes with a strike from Jason Payton-Smith. It wasn't until the final 15 minutes that this even contest came to life with three goals.

Andy Brimmell equalised for Fromes Hill on 75 minutes and Jason Payton-Smith recorded his 29th goal of the season to give Club AC30 the lead. However, Fromes Hill equalised for the second time in the game with just three minutes remaining to give them a share of the points - Andy Brimmell was again the scorer for Fromes Hill as the game ended 2-2, which sees Fromes Hill extend their unbeaten run to three games.

This Sunday sees the all Worcester encounter as Portobello entertain Club AC30, Fromes Hill host leaders Talbot Head, Portobello travel to Ring of Bells and Morgan travel to Bosbury to play Bell Inn 98. In addition The Bull play Plume of Feathers and the two basement clubs Strikes and Fromes Hill Reserves do battle at Sling Lane.

Members are reminded of the next League meeting on Monday, April 17 at the Civil Service Club, Malvern, 7.30pm.