SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Wendron United 2 Bude Town 0

A MUCH-CHANGED Bude outfit put in a fine performance before being beaten 2-0 by Wendron at Underlane.

Despite suffering with a couple of late withdrawals due to illness, the Seasiders put in a performance to be proud of, typified by a man-of-the-match performance on debut by 16-year-old right-sided attacker Ryan Vanstone.

Ty Rowe was forced into action in the ninth minute as he saved smartly down to his left as Wendron hit a shot which went through a crowd of players. Moments later, at the other end, Maximus Alvarez-Lopera then jinked through the defence and hit a shot which was saved at Zach Telling’s near post.

In the 26th minute some neat play by Wendron found left winger Ryan Reeve, who cut inside and hit a shot which despite the best efforts of Rowe just crept over the line.

Although they were enjoying plenty of possession, Bude suffered another blow just before the break when Ruan Tape went off injured and had to be replaced by another 16-year-old, debutant Owen Lloyd.

The Seasiders continued to have a go and early in the second half some neat build-up play by Ewan Reeves, Fin Haste and Harrison Swatton found the dangerous Alvarez-Lopera, who again weaved through a couple of players and unleashed a powerful shot which Telling superbly beat away for a corner.

At the other end, Rowe had to be alert to save at full stretch before Lloyd nearly had a debut to remember after being played in by Alvarez-Lopera, his shot across goal was well kept out.

As Bude kept knocking on the door, a decisive Wendron breakaway found some space in behind and a cross was converted at the near post for 2-0 by Reeve.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Bude boss Steve Hackett said: “This was a really good performance against a strong established SWPL side, the lads played some lovely football at times and Wendron had to work hard for their points as shown by their goalkeeper making three really good saves to keep them in the game.

“Ryan Vanstone started his first match for the first team and put in a man-of-the-match performance At only 16, he looked comfortable, composed and his passing and running was impressive – another really exciting player at the club who we are delighted to have on board.

“The other really pleasing thing about today is that the whole starting 11 were aged 24 or under and five of the lads 18 or younger – the future is looking so bright.”

Bude have the small matter of local rivals Holsworthy away on Saturday (3pm), and Hackett admits he can’t wait.

He said: “We’re really looking forward to the game and these are the sort of matches the lads have to be physically and mentally prepared for, especially playing on what we expect to be a heavy pitch and in front of a big crowd.

“Holsworthy are a very organised side and don’t concede too many goals, but I know if we play like we can, I’m hopeful of a positive result.”

BUDE TOWN: Ty Rowe, Archie Perrott, Ewan Reeves (capt) James Wheeler, Fin Haste; Jake Woodland, Ruan Tape; Harrison Swatton; Ryan Vanstone, Dylan Morgan, Maximus Alvarez-Lopera. Subs: Owen Lloyd, Liam Dart, Steve Hackett.

Bude Town man of the match: Ryan Vanstone.