MALVERN Vale Academy's lead at the top of Cheltenham League Division Four was reduced to one point after a 3-3 draw at mid-table Gala Wilton thirds.

The result ended Vale's 13-game league winning run ahead of Saturday's visit to second-placed Prestbury Rovers Reserves.

Wilton were boosted by reserve teamers but Vale will rue many missed chances.

A strong wind behind the visitors helped in the first half and in the 18th minute a Mario Vieira corner was deflected in off a Gala defender to put them ahead.

But within five minutes Gala levelled when Dan Leese, looking offside, tapped home.

Vale hit back and Anthony Cakebread was denied on several occasions at close range.

Toby Boswell was halted by an offside flag in the second period and Leese finished off a chance at the other end to put the hosts ahead.

Vale levelled on 58 minutes when Ash Griffiths' cross was converted spectacularly by Boswell's overhead kick.

Jason Littleton's long-range free-kick on 70 minutes dropped over keeper George Weaver to put Gala back in front.

But new Vale signing Tori Williams, on as sub, was brought down before he had got his first touch and Andre Rodrigues coolly dispatched the penalty to level for the final time.

Meanwhile, third-placed Malvern Vale lost 1-0 at fourth-from-bottom Bishops Cleeve Development Reserves in Division Four.

After a slow start with Vale having the wind in their favour, Miguel Passaro hit the inside of the bar from a corner.

Brad Hughes, Rich Morse, Louie Turner and Chris Husband defended well while keeper Stephen Newman saved well on the stroke of half-time.

Vale struggled with the wind against them in the second period despite the efforts of forwards Ashley Dallow and Joe Turner.

A mistimed pass on 65 minutes fell to the feet of a Cleeve player whose shot bounced underneath Newman's arms and through his legs.

Passaro fired wide after a move involving Malvern man of the match Hughes and sub Luke Henney.

Vale will need to kick on this Saturday when they face hosts Cheltenham Saracens thirds in a final push for the play-offs.