MALVERN Vale Academy hit high-flying Woodmancote United for six in Cheltenham League Division Four.

Without suspended defender Terry Williams, Woodmancote were also without their banned top scorer.

Vale started brighter but struggled to convert their chances they were creating.

Ash Griffiths tried to chip keeper Scott Green before Andre Rodrigues, Cal Hill and Anthony Cakebread also missed good opportunities.

Second-placed Woodmancote were limited to the odd break which was generally well dealt with by skipper Jay Jones or Craig Morris at he back.

Vale went ahead on 24 minutes when Cakebread cut in from the right and fired into the top left corner from outside the box.

Five minutes later, Cakebread turned creator when his free-kick was headed home by Rodrigues.

Rodrigues then played a neat one-two with Griffiths who coolly slotted home his chance after 32 minutes.

On the hour, Griffiths extended the Vale lead after a fine solo run before Ben Goode chipped in a fifth on 73 minutes from fellow sub Gav Hodgkins' lay-off.

The scoring was rounded off by another sub as Jacob Hooper headed in a free-kick after Green brought down Griffiths outside the box 11 minutes from time.

Despite a few late breaks, Vale's defence held strong to record their first clean sheet of the season.

They face another stiff test on Saturday against Welland Reserves at Lower Howsell Road.

Welland hammered Cheltenham Saracens thirds 13-1 with hat-tricks for Joe Crews and Ben Pearson.

Anthony Wood (2), John Gullick (2), Jamie Harding, Joe Rowland and Ted Leah also scored.

Third-placed Malvern Vale drew 3-3 at Andoversford thirds with Toby Boswell, Ashley Dallow and Joe Turner on target.

Vale host Smiths Athletic Reserves on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ledbury Town Reserves drew 3-3 at Holme Lacy Reserves in Herefordshire FA County League Division One.

They visit Orleton Colts Reserves on Saturday.

Ledbury's first team, whose game was postponed last weekend, host Ewyas Harold at New Street in the Premier Division (2pm).