SHAKERS' new-boy Brian Barry-Murphy has praised his teammates for the battling qualities that have earned them four points from two tough opening games.

The summer signing from Sheffield Wednesday has been a revelation in the Bury midfield since arriving and he capped another fine display with a stunning 25-yard equaliser at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

The 2-2 draw at the Memorial Ground, together with last Saturday's 3-1 home victory over another well-fancied side, Yeovil Town, has raised eyebrows among those pundits who forecast a season of struggle for Graham Barrow's men.

But the 26-year-old Irishman reckons the club's good start is no fluke and believes that any team that fails to show the Shakers respect will be in for a come-uppance.

"Our profile may not be as big as some of these clubs, but all we intend to do is work hard in training and get on with it," he declared.

"Anyone who underestimates us this season will be in for a shock.

"The lads showed against Yeovil last week that we aren't afraid to go behind and we fought back again against Bristol.

"It was an awful decision of the referee's to award the first penalty, for something like that to go against you just before half time was disappointing.

"We had some great chances while we were 1-0 up and could have gone in further ahead.

"Maybe if they had gone 3-1 ahead from the second penalty we may have struggled to come back, especially with Colin (Woodthorpe) sent off.

"But I always thought we could beat them and once we equalised I always fancied us to score on the break, although that was maybe asking a bit much.

"They upped their game in the second half but we matched them and must have come away with a bit of credit."

As for Tuesday night's equaliser, it's hard to imagine it being matched in any of the next 44 League Two fixtures to come.

Against Yeovil Barry-Murphy was desperately unlucky with another stunning long distance effort that hit the bar.

He made no mistake a second time.

"I just caught it nicely," he said modestly.

"Sometimes with ten men you aren't going to have a lot of play so I thought I'd try it.

"Thankfully it flew in as I hoped."