MALVERN Vale Firsts missed a chance to extend their lead over the Cheltenham League Division Three chasing pack when they drew 0-0 at struggling Southside Star Reserves.

The hosts, buoyed by some first-team players, came into the game with improved form.

Vale started slowly and struggled to get much time on the ball with Star pressing hard.

While not at their full potential Vale created openings as Edgar Sanha fired wide from a couple of yards out, Matt Strangwood shot at keeper Sam Ryder-Jones and Anthony Cakebread was off target.

Star's sole first-half chance came from a defensive lapse but the striker fired wide.

The best chance came when Vale's Mario Vieira broke through but shot high and wide rather than giving Cakebread an open goal.

Vale made five substitutions at half-time and the second period was one-way traffic.

Vieira had a free-kick blocked by team-mate Tom Stone and Ash Griffiths' chip over Ryder-Jones dropped wide while Jordan Richards and Pep Ienzi both headed straight at the keeper as Vale had to settle for a draw.

Their next game is on Thursday, March 21, when they face Division Four pace-setters FC Lakeside Reserves in the Minor Charity Cup final at Bishops Cleeve (7pm).

Malvern Vale Reserves lost 4-1 at home to Cheltenham United in Division Four with Frederick Harrison scoring and Kieran Kinsella red carded.

Toby Boswell bagged a brace as Malvern Cave drew 2-2 at Kempsey Corinthians.