BIDEFORD saw a two-goal lead disappear at Bristol Manor Farm on Tuesday evening.

But manager Sean Joyce was far from disappointed as the Robins cemented their position at the top of the Toolstation Premier Division.

The 2-2 draw in Bristol meant they rounded off a run of four games in 11 days without defeat.

With North Devon neighbours Ilfracombe Town only drawing at home to Dawlish Town, the Robins remain six points clear.

Joyce said: "That's 10 points out of 12 from four very tough games and if you'd offered me that a week ago I would have taken it.

"This is probably a harder game than Ilfracombe had with Dawlish and it's a point gained."

After the blip of defeats against Longwell Green Sports and Odd Down in the Les Phillips Cup, Biddy appear to be back on track.

"It was a really good, entertaining game, two good teams having a go at each other, and I enjoyed it," said Joyce.

"They are one of the better teams we have played this season.

"They are very dangerous and if they play like that they will take points off a lot of teams."

Starting with the same line-up that beat Welton Rovers on Saturday, Bideford raced to a half-time lead.

Ellis Laight headed the opening goal on the rebound after his initial shot was saved.

Clay Bond struck the second on the half-volley after Nick Barker broke forward and Laight's shot ricocheted to the midfielder.

Two big deflections ensured the Robins had to settle for a point though.

The first shot hit Rob Francis on the head to wrongfoot goalkeeper Ryan Draper, then Manor Farm equalised as the ball cannoned off Darren Hawkings.

The home side almost won it when another effort deflected off Francis and grazed the post.

At 2-1 up, Matt Andrew had a chance to score his fifth goal in three games but the midfielder was denied by fine save.

"Collectively we looked a bit tired and we did well to stay in the game in the second half, especially when it went 2-2," said Joyce.

"A week ago, when we were a bit fresher, we might have won it."

The hectic spell of games continues with a trip to Larkhall Athletic on Saturday before basement team Corsham Town come to the Sports Ground on Tuesday.

A hip injury looks set to keep Dominic Rivans out at the weekend and Matt Downing is unavailable.

Bude Town striker Billy Hopcroft could come back into contention.