Saltash extended their unbeaten run to 11 games to stay in touch with the top two, following this closely-fought encounter at Bere Alston.

They got off to the best possible start when, in the second minute, a long kick from their goalkeeper was flicked on by Luke Morriarty to Luke Dodderidge, who scored from close range.

Bere rallied and, after a flowing move, a Marcus Pethick cross found Mike Curtis who made no mistake.

Bere keeper Jack Dixon pulled off a great save to prevent a Carl Powell-Thomas free-kick, before Saltash regained the lead early in the second period when Lewis O'Rourke beat two players to set up Morriarty.

The Ashes increased their advantage when Powell-Thomas converted a free-kick – but Bere continued to fight back and reduced the arrears in the 70th minute when Dan Follett scored with a header.

Saltash almost bagged

a fourth, but Rhys Toole struck the Bere crossbar.

The hosts stepped up the pressure but were unable to snatch an equaliser, thanks to visiting keeper Dan Pen-Collings who pulled off two tremendous saves.