Sunday 2nd of September saw the ladies team play their first game of the 2018/19 season against a strong Plymouth Argyle side at Broadclose Park. The girls approached the game knowing it was going to be a tough match with the Argyle side coming runners up of the league the previous season. However, spirits were high to get the season underway and the first half saw Bude put in a solid performance. Argyle were quick to set the pace of the game, pressuring the Curtis sisters, Assumpta Gifford and Steph Smeeth in defence. The girls battled well, holding back any significant chances for the Argyle side despite their relentless efforts.
Both teams were equally matched with Bude pressuring the Argyle goal from the Badham sisters up front. After some excellent play in the midfield and a well-placed through ball from Kelly Damley, Sarah Badham calmly took the ball round the Argyle keeper to put the home team 1-0 up. Despite Bude’s high spirits, Argyle retaliated hard and scored 2 goals before the whistle, leaving the score 2-1 to Plymouth at half time.
Manager Richard Pinkus rallied the girls at half time, highlighting the team’s efforts against a young, fast Argyle team. However, this was not enough to subdue the away team’s efforts as they scored 3 goals in quick succession to put them up 5-1. Bude changed their formation, putting young Caitlin Williams into midfield with Anna Cleave and Claire Gifford working hard on the wings, Sarah Devon making her first Bude appearance in defence. New signing Taz Page battled tirelessly in defence, with Captain Lisa Cornish making some excellent saves in goal, feeding the ball up to Charlie Lang. With some strong passing and moving, Bude were rewarded with 2 more goals once again from Sarah Badham, leaving the final score 6-3.
Bude were unlucky to have played such a strong side in their first game of the season but can take a number of positives away for their upcoming fixtures.
