FOOTBALL - Toolstation Premier Division: DEVIZES stretched their unbeaten run to six games on Tuesday night but manager Paul Thompson felt it was two points dropped.

They are unbeaten since losing to Corsham on the opening day of the season, winning three and drawing three of their last six games.

They went 1-0 down after only two minutes when Nick Mooney was caught in possession on the edge of his own area and goalkeeper Thompson was beaten.

"We showed great character to come back and I think it was two points dropped," Thompson said. "The second half was a bit of a non event but they had 11 points at Christmas last year and we already have 12."

Attacking midfielder Brad Newman, in only his second appearance after returning to the club from Swindon Supermarine, headed in the equaliser on 40 minutes from a Matt Smith free kick.

In the second half Smith was allegedly head butted by a Brislington player, an incident which the officials missed, and Thompson praised his midfielder's coolness.

He said: "Matt has a fiery temper and last season probably would have retaliated but after five minutes they shook hands and he was man enough to accept the apology. That doesn't justify what happened though."

Devizes have the joint best defence in the league with defending champions Bideford having conceded only five goals.

Thompson said: "The goals we have conceded have been sloppy ones and if we can stop them then who knows?

"We have sewn up the leaks which made us concede 94 goals last season. The top six will begin to pull away in the next few games and we want to be in there."

Thompson's side are on FA Vase duty next and travel to Wessex League outfit Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday.

Thompson said: "It will be a really tough game but we are under no pressure.

"They are going to be favourites but I will say to my players the game doesn't have to be won on the day."