SWPL PREMIER WEST (SATURDAY)

Bodmin Town 2 Bude Town 4

AARON White scored twice as Bude Town got their 2025 started with an excellent 4-2 victory at Bodmin Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Seasiders headed to Priory Park having not played since being well beaten by Liskeard Athletic on December 14 due to postponements against both Millbrook and Holsworthy.

However, any fear of rust was put to bed with a dominant performance.

They started brightly with the exciting Jake Woodland hitting a first time shot from distance which rattled the Bodmin crossbar.

Moments later, Woodland then put the lively Aaron Hart clear through the channel and his shot was neatly saved by Ollie Sidey down low.

Bodmin had chances of their own including a player only shooting straight at Ty Rowe from three yards following a corner, and they were made to pay in first half injury time.

Some excellent wing play by Aaron White saw him hit a low drive from the angle which Sidey saved, but it landed at the feet of strike partner Dylan Morgan who forced the ball home from close range.

Bude continued on the front foot and doubled their lead on 59 minutes.

Sidey’s loose pass found White 45 yards out and he put it back with interest with a fine shot that found the left corner.

Two minutes later some emphatic wing play from Woodland and Hart down the left produced a dangerous cross which was met by White at the far post who slid in and put the ball into the net.

Bodmin then grew into the game, helped by a change of shape and scored twice in 15 minutes to set up a thrilling finale.

The first came via a set piece on 63 minutes which was put in by sub Caleb Tallis before Harry Probyn beat Rowe after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

It turned into a midfield battle but Aled Thomas, Woodland, sub Harry Dymond and Harrison Swatton just didn't give up their work-rate.

Bude switched formation and emptied the bench with Connor Jenkins, Matt Hopper and Will Rees also being introduced, and they got to celebrate a fourth in the 87th minute.

Swatton’s ball into the box was spilled by Sidey and Woodland was on hand to lash the ball home.

Reflecting on the afternoon, Bude Town boss Steve Hackett told the Post: “It was a real test on Saturday in freezing cold conditions with a real strong wind and the rain lashing down.

“These lads showed a lot of character to keep digging in and fighting for everything against Bodmin. Every player put in a real shift for the club and there were some really big performances out there.

But man of the match went to striker Dylan Morgan. His movement, close control and ability to take men on and leading the front line was excellent, a really impressive performance.”

Bude are back in action tonight (Wednesday) when they welcome Southern League Divison One South outfit Falmouth Town in the quarter-final of the Cornwall Senior Cup (7.30pm).

BUDE TOWN: Ty Rowe; Lloyd Scaife, Ewan Reeves (c), James Wheeler, Fin Haste; Aled Thomas, Harrison Swatton, Jake Woodland; Aaron Hart, Aaron White, Dylan Morgan. Subs: Connor Jenkins, Maximus Alvarez-Lopera, Matt Hopper, Harry Dymond, Will Rees.

Bude Town man of the match: Dylan Morgan.