BURY failed to make their superiority count as promotion rivals Exeter held them to a draw at the JD Stadium.

Arron Davies headed the Grecians in front in the 13th minute after following up an Alex Nicholls free-kick that cannoned back off the post from 30 yards.

The Shakers were unlucky not to level after a Chris Hussey free kick hit the woodwork, but they scored a deserved equaliser on the stroke of half time when Danny Nardiello headed home a superb cross from Craig Jones.

Nardiello missed the best chance of the second half, blazing over from six yards after Exeter keeper Christy Pym failed to handle an Andrew Tutte strike.

Tutte, Tom Soares, Danny Mayor and Danny Rose all went close, but Exeter threatened to steal all three points on the break as Bury pushed forward. Home debutant Joe Riley did well to get a tackle in on David Wheeler as the visitors’ substitute raced towards goal following a Tutte mistake.

But while Bury manager David Flitcroft may be frustrated at two dropped points, results elsewhere ensured they retained a three-point cushion in the final play-off spot.