THE Seasiders moved to within a point of sixth-placed Holsworthy on Saturday as goals from brothers Billy and Harry Hopcroft secured a 2-0 victory at Underlane.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Bude were rarely troubled as they looked to keep the ball on the floor in possession, while defenders were encouraged not to take any unnecessary risks.

Midway through the half, Town went agonisingly close as Jake Woodland’s drive from the right side of the box crashed against the inside of the post and the goalkeeper’s head before the linesman adjudged the ball to have just stayed out.

Within five minutes of the restart Bude were ahead as centre-half Harry Hopcroft’s inswinging corner was met by brother Billy who found the top corner from eight yards.

Chances came and went with both man-of-the-match Oli Cleave and Piran Friend going close, while Billy Hopcroft curled an effort against the crossbar.

The second goal was a big contender for goal of the season. The excellent Harry Hopcroft picked the ball up 45 yards from goal, before seeing the keeper off his line and sweetly steering his shot over him into the top right corner.

Bude were aggrieved not to have added a third as a Harry Hopcroft strike off the bottom of the bar fell to Woodland who crashed the rebound into the roof of the net. But it was ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Rowe had a couple of shots from distance to save as Wendron had plenty of the ball, but the Seasiders secured an 11th league win of the season.

BUDE TOWN: Ty Rowe, Mason Tape, James Wheeler, Harry Hopcroft, Finn Reeve (capt); Nathan Colley, Jake Woodland, Dylan Morgan; Oli Cleave, Billy Hopcroft, Piran Friend. Subs: Billy Hopgood, Josh Pearce, Steve Hackett.

Seasiders’ man-of-the-match: Oli Cleave.