Saturday, October 27

Verde Recro Hockey League

Southern Two

Ashmoor A 3

THOMAS Hall scored a late winner as Bude fought back from three goals down to win in Totnes and maintain their excellent start to the season.

The Cornishmen travelled to the King Edward VI Community College with a 14-strong squad and full of confidence after thrashing Devonport Services 5-1 seven days earlier.

However, they got off to the worst possible start, finding themselves 3-0 down inside 20 minutes.

An extended stop due to a nasty injury to Peter Trowbridge saw the away side deep in conversation about the suspect pitch and why it was going so wrong.

Half-time eventually came with further discussion held as to the state of the surface and what they could do to get back into the contest.

The second-half started like the first with Ashmoor pilling on the pressure and the pitch proving problematic for the visitors.

Against the run of play midfield men Kristof Saunders and Hall took a more direct route towards goal through powerful, straight runs, resulting in Jared Slade slotting home at the back post to give them some hope.

Bude persisted and soon found a second through Jon Elliot and a third from a hap-hazard short corner with the returning Matthew Horton slotting the ball powerfully into the bottom corner.

The game was all level and lit up with both teams now hungry for the win. There were some expert saves from Bude’s stand-in keeper and captain Henry Gwynn-Thomas and more chances at the other end, which Bude failed to take.

More strong direct runs seemed to work for the away side, and they eventually completed a remarkable turnaround as Hall hit the back of the net with a trademark reverse hit across goal.  

A late penatly flick appeal from Hall could have seen Bude score again but the final whistle was soon blown as Bude walked away a little unsure as to how they took all three points.

Bude are back in action on Saturday when they welcome second-placed Caradon to Budehaven Sports Centre (1pm).