REIGNING champion Matt Neal admitted he had "a bizarre day" after failing to take a podium place at Donington Park.

But the Droitwich Spa driver still leads the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, despite the off-day at one of his favourite circuits.

Gordon Shedden and Colin Turkington, who closed the gap on Neal, shared the victories in the three rounds in Leicestershire.

The championship now heads to the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk on August 13.

Team Halfords Honda driver Shedden impressively achieved back-to-back victories before Turkington, in his Team RAC MG, pounced later in the day to slash the gap to Neal from 37 points prior to Donington down to just 22.

Turkington's victory came after a re-start, following a multiple pile-up on the grid, two safety car periods and a rain shower.

Neal, who took fourth, fifth and seventh positions in his Team Halfords Honda, said: "That's one of the more bizarre days in my touring car career.

"We've been quick every time out and the podium was within reach several times, but it just didn't happen for us.

"I was lucky to get away with a few bumps and I've been off the track, but somehow survived.

"I'm also fortunate that Colin didn't have a great middle race because he'd have been a lot closer to me.

"Snetterton should be good for us, but the way he's going in that MG we have to seriously watch out for him.

"But as I've said before, I'd rather have a lead than be playing catch-up."

Turkington, who at 24 could this year become the BTCC's youngest champion, said: "It's definitely game on in the title race.

"I think we've got Team Halfords a bit rattled at the moment -- they've seen just how competitive the MG is and I think we'll be just as competitive at every circuit from now on."

Shedden, meanwhile, has jumped from fifth to third in the standings, thanks to also adding a third in race three to his two victories.

He is now a point ahead of fourth-placed Jason Plato who had a bad day, failing to score in races two and three after separate crashes in his SEAT Leon.

Team Halfords has dramatically turned a two-point deficit into a 42-point lead over SEAT Sport UK in the teams' championship. Neal and Team Halfords also continue to lead the independents trophy's drivers' and teams' tables.

Leading BTCC points, drivers: Neal 183, Turkington 161, Shedden 130, Plato 129, James Thompson 114, Tom Chilton 86, Fabrizio Giovanardi 83, Gavin Smith 82, Mike Jordan 62, Robert Collard 61; manufacturers: SEAT 357,Vauxhall 321; teams: Team Halfords 296, SEAT Sport UK 254, Team RAC 216, VX Racing 214.