By Andy Davis

WEST HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN’S PIRAN DIVISION ONE

Bude 3 Falmouth 2

BUDE withheld a late fightback from Falmouth to earn a precious three points in their promotion push.

The game started well with Bude steadily gaining momentum, territory and possession which meant they were able to dominate in key areas and situations which then resulted in some half chances.

They eventually made the sustained pressure count as a goal from open play came when Matthew Horton was on hand close by to force the ball home to the delight of the home team and their spectators.

The Seasiders continued to play their game after taking the lead which led to more half chances but they were unable to make Falmouth pay during this period; some changes in the Bude ranks slightly disrupted their rhythm and this combined with some determined pressure from the visitors gave them hope.

After a nervy 10 to 15 minutes of being pinned back, Bude finally succumbed to the pressure as Falmouth converted from a penalty corner which was a hard, low shot into the bottom corner.

Bude regrouped, and just as the half was drawing to a close, the turning point came as a pinpoint penalty corner routine straight off the training ground ended with Zack Davis deflecting the ball high into the net at the back post.

Bude focused in on the two or three small things at half-time that could potentially make a big difference, and they started the second half excellently; composed and concentrated with clear minds led to good decision meaning they were back to dominating and causing all the problems.

They eased into a 3-1 lead with a lovely team goal that started on the right wing as Davis linked up well with Marc Leverton just in front of him who drove purposefully towards the baseline where he selflessly pulled the ball back to Horton who swept the ball home past the outstretched keeper.

Some more notable chances came as Bude hit the post, but with the last quarter of the game remaining, Falmouth set up a nail-biting finish as a solo goal out of nowhere saw their midfielder skip past a number of Bude players to finish on the edge of the D where he unleashed an unstoppable reverse stick shot high into the net.

Bude dug deep and battled hard; despite not being at their absolute best they never gave up and each squad member played a vital part at some point.

But having managed the final minutes fairly well, they gave away a penalty corner as the final whistle sounded.

However the Seasiders knew they had to keep the ball out of the goal no matter what, and thankfully did to remain right in the race and leave Falmouth further adrift.

The man of the match award went to the influential Tom Lush who was involved everywhere on the pitch, and his calmness and experience was vital in helping his team through such a tight game.

Bude can now enjoy the Christmas break with the exciting prospect that there were some real key learning points to take away from the game which will make them even better in the future.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Bude were handed a home walkover by Camborne School of Mines in Women’s Trelawney Division One.