11.04.18
Bude approached the game knowing they had a tough match ahead with Plympton one place above them in the league. Both teams battled hard for the first 30 minutes, with the advantage going to Plympton after a goal mouth scramble. Bude retaliated with Sarah Badham receiving a through ball, taking the keeper on and calmly finishing to bring the score level at the end of the first half.
Acting manager Richard Pinkus changed the formation at half time, adding Zoe Curtis into the midfield, who added strength and defended solidly throughout. Plympton worked hard and scored their second goal with an unchallenged breakaway. Hannah Maloney and Izzy Barr displayed their youthful energy, working tirelessly throughout the game on the wings, showing great potential for the future. Bude got their break with the midfield creating another scoring opportunity for Sarah Badham, who effortlessly turned the defender and equalised. Shortly after, Bude gained another chance with a penalty, with the Bude striker finishing confidently to give herself a hat-trick and put Bude ahead 3-2.
Plympton did not falter however and tenaciously battled against the home side through worsening conditions with their striker making the break to go one-on-one with the home keeper. Jodie Webb, who put in a fine performance throughout the game, challenged the striker with a solid tackle resulting in a questionable penalty through which Plympton equalised the score. As the rain continued, both teams were striving to put themselves ahead but it was the away side who scored another two goals to give them a lead of 5-3. Bude continued their fight, with captain Katherine Bryant encouraging her side and from the midfield, Badz was once again able to put the ball in the net to get the score to 5-4. Both teams battled throughout the remainder of the game but neither could finalise their chances, leaving the final score as 5-4 to Plympton. An unlucky loss for the Bude girls although a number of positives can be taken from the game and utilised in their next match against Exeter & Tedburn Rangers.