HANLEY Swan earned a valuable point from a thrilling 3-3 home draw with mid-table Falcons in Cheltenham Association League Division One.

In windy conditions, fourth-from-bottom Hanley were slow to start and conceded a long-range shot after 15 minutes.

Both teams settled and played attacking football with chances at both ends.

Hanley levelled just before half-time when Ash Bloore smashed a shot against the bar and Blake Bishop slotted the rebound home.

The second period saw both keepers called into action.

Hanley took the lead midway through the half when Bloore and Josh Wring combined for James Newland to score with a low shot.

Hanley looked to be on their way to a deserved win and should have increased the lead, but James Beale fired over.

The game changed in a frantic last five minutes as Falcons equalised direct from a corner and then went ahead with an unstoppable shot.

But Hanley did not give up and, with virtually the last kick of the game, Beale made amends by earning the draw.

Hanley visit Gala Wilton Reserves, and Upton Town head to Churchdown Panthers tomorrow (both 2pm) after their weekend home match was postponed.

Meanwhile, Welland went back to the top of Division Three by leapfrogging Leckhampton Rovers after beating them 4-3 on a heavy pitch with a strong wind.

They looked the more comfortable side early on but failed to create a chance.

The hosts were dealt a blow after 20 minutes when Jon Williams brought down a Rovers forward for a penalty, which was dispatched.

Welland should have levelled through Paul Edwards and James Lush, before Omar Elmougy had a fierce shot saved.

On the stroke of half-time, good work down the right resulted in a whipped cross being headed in for Rovers’ second goal.

Within three minutes of the restart, Leckhampton’s forward scored a fine solo goal to make it 3-0.

But Welland’s comeback began when keeper Niall Hacking’s long kick was expertly driven into the top corner from 25 yards by Elmougy.

With the hosts dominating, captain Mark Taylor smashed a left-footed effort into the top corner from distance after a neat one-two with Edwards.

Jamie Harding then played in Lush, who calmly equalised with 15 minutes left.

The deserved winner came with five minutes remaining when Stacey Brimmell, Dave Knapper and Williams combined for Edwards to coolly drive home from close range.

Welland visit lowly Newlands Athletic tomorrow (2pm).

Division Six leaders Malvern Vale won 4-2 at Gala Wilton fourths, with Daniel Stowe (2), Steve Dallow and Nathan Walker on target.

Vale host Cheltenham Saracens thirds tomorrow (2pm).