Bude impress despite defeat at leaders Penzance

BUDE Town put in a fine performance in stages, however it was new league leaders Penzance that proved too strong late on in West Cornwall on Saturday.

The Seasiders headed to Penlee Park searching for a response after their 3-1 defeat to Dobwalls in midweek which saw them miss a host of chances, and produced exactly that.

However, they fell behind on 37 minutes when Ewan Trevains fired into the top corner from 20 yards past debutant keeper Jack Arthur – in for the injured Leam Powell, and that lead was doubled before the break via Jacob Trudgeon following a mix-up at the back.

Both teams had shouts for penalties waved away, Bude’s when they felt frontman Ray Spear has been flattened in the box.

As in the first half, Bude started well after the break and created a coupled of chances before Billy Hopcroft’s 20-yard cracker gave them hope on 55 minutes.

But three goals in the final 11 minutes from Hayden Waters, Charlie Willis and Jahmali Prowse ensured the Magpies went top as Town dropped to 10th in the table.

Reflecting on the game, boss Steve Hackett took the posittives, saying: “We cannot be prouder of our guys for their fight against a side who play nice football, have dangerous movement and are strong across all positions. They certainly knew they were in a game. Many thanks to our travelling support, that was a long poke down there and we appreciate you all.”

Bude make the even longer trip tomorrow night to Mousehole in the last 16 of the Cornwall Senior Cup (7.45pm).

BUDE TOWN: Jack Arthur; Jake Woodland, Ewan Reeves, Harry Hopcroft (capt), Fin Haste; Nathan Colley, Harry Banks, Piran Friend, Billy Hopcroft, Harrison Swatton; Ray Spear. Subs: Marley Cunningham, Steve Hackett, Aryan Ahmadzade, Tega Olaosebikan.