BURY avoided a fourth straight away defeat as they claimed a 0-0 draw at Exeter.

The Shakers dominated the first half, with Andy Bishop twice denied by home keeper Paul Jones.

But Alan Knill’s promotion hopefuls will be content to have come away with a point as the hosts had plenty of chances of their own in the second half.

The Shakers flew out of the blocks and Jones had to turn a second- minute strike by Bishop wide after the top scorer had been put through by strike partner Andy Morrell.

Bury continued to press but Exeter were dangerous on the break and it needed a fine tackle by Ben Futcher to prevent Adam Stansfield getting a shot away after being clean through.

Morrell had a goal disallowed for offside before Mike Jones spurned a great chance as he fired over after being picked out by Elliott Bennett's right-wing cross.

Bennett then played in Bishop, only for Jones to make another fine save, although Bury’s on-loan keeper was called into action on the stroke of half-time to tip over a shot by Manny Panther.

Richard Logan attempted to lob Tyler shortly after the restart but it sailed inches over while Stansfield flashed a shot just wide.

Tyler had to be alert to block a 66th-minute strike by Stansfield before Danny Seaborne headed a corner straight at the Bury keeper.

But Bury finished the stronger side with a cross-cum-shot from David Buchanan being punched clear by Jones while Morrell lobbed over and Rob Edwards denied Bishop a winner following Jones’ through-ball.