LUKE Payne's stunning strike from 30 yards proved to be the winner for Malvern Town as they battled to a 1-0 win over Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday.

After a run of four defeats from five games in all competitions, The Hillsiders put an end to their winless run in style thanks to Payne's special long-range 'piledriver' mid-way through the first-half.

Having worked some space for himself down the right flank, the right-back moved in field before unleashing an unstoppable strike that arrowed into the top left corner of the goal, sparking wild celebrations between players and management.

In a physical game, there was a flashpoint just before the hour as a challenge from Harry Lucas on Jack watts sparked a melee between players and the respective benches, which ended in both co-Malvern manager Stephen Cleal and Bristol boss Lee Lashenko being sent off.

Both sides had chances in the game and Bristol pushed for an equaliser late on but the hosts held firm for a much-needed three points.

"You know you have to work hard against this Bristol side for three points, they're a physical side and they do what they do well," said co-boss Cleal.

"That's now back to back clean sheets in the league and that's what we want to build on so we are massively pleased with that win.

"We didn't touch the ball early on and they were the better side. We were tested but after that opening spell, we started to get on the front foot and ask some more questions.

"Foges (Luke Payne) has been brilliant and he's come up with a great strike. He defended really well all game, he was fantastic but everyone to a penny, the whole squad, has won that three points.

On his red card: "It's a bad tackle from their player and the referee hasn't dealt with it and players have got involved, I have got involved, stupidly, rightly or wrongly and I have gone and got myself sent off which is not good but the lads have battled away to three points and that's what we should focus on."

Malvern now have back-to-back away games coming up next, with a trip to Paulton Rovers on Saturday followed by a mid-week clash at Tavistock on Tuesday night.