MALVERN Town were denied by a last-minute leveller in a 1-1 draw at home to high-flying Tipton Town in the Aspire Midland Alliance.

The hosts started brightly and Mike Rhodes’ shot was cleared off the line before they took the lead on 18 minutes.

Paul Ireland’s header was blocked but Paul Edwards rifled the loose ball into the back of the net from just outside the area.

Malvern keeper Lewis Skyers tipped over from Nathan Jones but the first-half belonged to the young Worcestershire side.

However, Tipton asserted themselves in the second period only for Skyers to deny them until sub Chris Turner swooped late on.

Malvern host Pershore Town in a rearranged Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup first-round tie on Thursday.