MALVERN Town were forced to settle once more for a point in the Hellenic League Premier as they came from behind to draw 1-1 away at Lydney Town.

Dave Reynolds' goal after the break cancelled out Finn Hamblett's strike in the first-half.

Following last weekend's 1-1 draw at home Fairford, Town failed to close the gap on those sides above them, even if they still have a game in hand on Bishops Cleeve and league leaders Brimscombe and Thrupp.

The Hillsiders have won just one of their last five league games and just like last weekend against Fairford, they went behind at Lydney in the first-half.

The home side were in charge early on and a free-kick from Hamblett drifted inches wide as they searched for the opener.

Malvern defender James Timmins produced a brilliant piece of defending to clear off the line before the hosts did take the lead through Hamblett's strike just before the half-hour mark.

Town were being frustrated not for the first time in recent weeks and their mood wasn't helped when a handball appeal was waved away as the half came to a close.

Joe Bates and Louis Loader both had chances before the half-time whistle blew and the visitors trudged off a goal down.

It could easily have been two right at the beginning of the half, only for the woodwork to come to Malvern's rescue.

Then, slightly against the run of play, came the equaliser as Reynolds flicked home a cross to level matters.

Town pushed for a winner and more penalty appeals were dismissed by the referee but in the end, the visitors had to make do with a draw.