WITH only three points separating the two teams, Bude were keen to secure a victory against Lydney, which would also push them back into second place.

Briony Varcoe helped Bude on their way to achieving their aim with an early goal in the first half.

Robyn Pengilly was joined in centre midfield by Leanne Edermaniger, who played confidently against a difficult team. Out on the wings were Di Old and Naomi Hatcher.

The visiting side tended to rely on playing quick hard balls through to their forwards but this was easily read and dealt with by Bude's defence of Miranda Pomeroy, Pam Johns and Caroline Hobbs. 'Keeper Jo Timmins controlled things from the back and kept a clean sheet before the half time break.

Early in the second half, player of the match Tammy Snowsill increased Bude's lead with a scooped shot during a short corner.

Some unsportsmanlike play led to tensions between the two teams rising and it seemed inevitable that someone was going to get hurt. Unfortunately that someone was Leanne Stanbury who had been a valuable link for Bude between the midfield and attack. She was forced to leave the pitch with a suspected broken foot.

Lydney were awarded a long corner which was quickly taken. The ball was fired into D and found an unmarked player who easily deflected it into the goal.

Not letting their heads drop, Bude continued to move the ball quickly around the midfield before finding Perdi Sobey and Briony Varcoe up front. During a scramble in front of goal, Briony made sure the ball, after hitting a Lydney foot, went over the line. However, Lydney's umpire, stood the other end of the pitch, mistook the Lydney foot for Briony's and the goal was disallowed.

Even more determined to hold on to their lead, Bude gave everything they had and proved they were the more capable team. Balls were flying out to both wings before coming back into the middle. Tammy picked up one of those balls and this time there was no argument when she scored.

Bude were relieved when the final whistle went.

Bude: Perdi Sobey, Briony Varcoe, Tammy Snowsill, Leanne Stanbury, Naomi Hatcher, Leanne Edermaniger, Robyn Pengilly, Di Old, Miranda Pomeroy, Pam Johns, Caroline Hobbs, Kirsty Heslop and Jo Timmins.