An excellent performance saw Bude Town progress into the third round of the Cornwall Senior Cup with a convincing win over a Goonhavern Athletic side lying mid-table in the West Cornwall Combination League. Despite a lack of recent good results the performances from the home side have been encouraging and Bude started the match with a real sense of purpose and energy.
Hayden White illustrated that drive when his overlapping run down the right saw him get in behind the Goonhavern defence. His well hit cross wasn't dealt with by the visiting goalkeeper and Bude found themselves 1-0 up. The pressure continued and 5 minutes later a Harry Hopcroft corner was handled in the area by a Goonhavern defender and Josh Allen made no mistake from the spot to net his second penalty in as many weeks. Chris Hill was proving a real handful and his acrobatic bicycle kick was somehow kept out by a full stretch save from the away keeper. Minutes later he got his rewards for an excellent first half display when Alex Harrison made a fantastic run down the left and crossed into the area where Hill was arriving late to drive home from 18 yards.
The second half Bude picked up where they left off and continued to create plenty of chances. The pressure finally told in the 50th minute when Ryan Leverton latched onto a through ball and after being initially thwarted by the goalkeeper he smashed home to put Bude 4-0 up. The intensity continued in the second half and the Goonhavern goalkeeper made some good saves to keep the score to 4-0. He could do nothing however about the Bude 5th. A superb whipped cross from Harry Hopcroft was met with purpose by Tommy Statton who headed home from 6 yards.
The nature of the performance and attitude of the players was excellent for 90 minutes and whilst sterner tests lie ahead this was a really good way to hit back from some disappointing league form and ensure Bude Town are in the hat for the 3rd round draw on Tuesday.