FOLLOWING the success of the previous Saturday's Gosling Cup, Bude returned their focus to the league and faced fourth place Bristol University.

Although up against a quick, young and opinionated side, Bude were hoping to collect three points to hold onto their second place position and close the gap on league leaders Plymouth Marjons.

However, even with this in mind, Bude seemed slightly slow, a couple paces behind the visiting side. It was Bristol who opened the scoring with a strong strike.

When Bude did use quick passing around the midfield of Di Old, Robyn Pengilly, Tammy Snowsill, Sharon Rundle and Sam Horn, they created a number of chances.

Leanne Stanbury once again provided the valuable link between the midfield and Perdi Sobey and Briony Varcoe up front. Joining Perdi and Briony in attack was Anne Trewin who made some great runs.

Before half time, a free hit taken by Tammy, followed by some lightning passes within the D resulted in Di Old slotting the ball into the corner of the goal.

At the start of the second half, Bude, listening to manager Dawn Messenger-Pates' advice, began using more of the left side of the pitch giving Di Old chance to test Bristol's defenders.

Bude's defence, Miranda Pomeroy, Pam Johns and Caroline Hobbs, along with Jo Timmins in goal, worked hard to prevent the skillful Bristol ladies from taking the lead. Miranda Pomeroy's fantastic clearances off the line earned her the player of the match title.

With ten minutes left to play, Tammy was hit by the ball forcing her off the pitch. Bude continued to work hard but a Bristol player broke quickly and before Bude could respond, she fired the ball from the top of the D into the goal.

Although disappointed with the result, Bude have only lost three games out of the 17 played this season and are still in second place. They face Yate and Gloucester at home this Saturday at 11.30am.

Bude: Jo Timmins, Pam Johns, Miranda Pomeroy, Caroline Hobbs, Robyn Pengilly, Di Old, Tammy Snowsill, Sharon Rundle, Sam Horn, Briony Varcoe, Perdi Sobey and Anne Trewin.