TIVERTON Town midfielder David Steele believes the arrival of former Exeter City duo Andy Taylor and Danny Clay has made him a better player.

Steele has featured prominently in the Yellows' nine-match unbeaten run, scoring a goal in the 2-0 win at Taunton Town and winning praise from boss Mark Saunders.

Taylor and Clay arrived at the club in November and, although Tivvy lost their next three games, they have not tasted defeat since leaving Steele impressed with their impact.

"The last couple of months have been enjoyable. We have gone on a bit of a run and the whole team is on form," said Steele.

"We went on a bit of a mini-run before that and won four games in a row and then signed the two lads from Truro.

"They took a few games to settle in but once they did, they gave us a real lift and the whole team has gone from strength to strength.

"We have seen a big improvement. Everybody at the club knew they were fantastic players having played against them before.

"They have certainly brought even more quality into the side and that's good.

"When they came in I really thought that they might have scuppered my chances, but it has actually been the complete opposite.

"The other lads have played their part too and I have found a bit of form recently.

"It was frustrating because I wasn't playing well at the start of the season and there was a reason I was starting on the bench.

"But I'm glad to be playing again now and back in the side, so things are going well."

The Yellows' recent run of good form will certainly be put to the test in the coming week.

First up for Tivvy is a trip to Bideford for a place in the Devon St Luke's Bowl semi-finals, followed by the visit of Bishops Cleve – one of the form sides in the division with just a single defeat from their last nine matches.

Tonight's game against the Robins will be the fifth time the two sides have met this season.

And with Bideford leading the league standings by six points, Steele appreciates Tiverton face a difficult task to progress.

"That will be a difficult one because we have played them quite a few times this season and not beaten them once," said Steele. "We have come close on a couple of occasions but Bideford are at the top of the league and a very good side.

"I don't know if we will play a similar side to the one which got past Barnstaple (in the last round) but it is a tie we want to win.

"There is some silverware up for grabs and, while I am sure it would not have been the priority for the club at the start of the season, it would be nice to win something.

"Bishops Cleve are on a good run and they got some good results recently, so they will be tough to play too, but we are playing well at the moment."