Bude ladies battled hard in their home game against Plympton on Sunday (25/11) to gain another win in the 2018/19 season. Bude went into the game determined after their away defeat to the youthful Plympton side in the previous month. With only a bare 11 to start the game with a few carrying illnesses and injuries, the girls knew that they had to put in the effort to come away with a victory.
The game started with both sides battling hard to set their pace. A solid back line of Assumpta Gifford, Taz Page, Zoe Curtis and Clare Gifford stopped much of the Plympton attack with keeper Lisa Cornish picking up anything that did get through. Some great passing movements between the Bude players saw some chances on goal but not enough to put them ahead. Plympton continued to test and Bude defence and keeper but were also stopped short of capitalising on their chances. It was Bude who opened the scoring with Kelly Darnley pivoting just outside the box, sending the ball over the head of the Plympton keeper. Plympton quickly rallied however and pulled off an equalising goal not soon after. The home side stayed determined and fought hard, standing strong against some harsh tackles. After some brilliant passing throughout the Bude side, a through-ball by Courtney Ward was expertly finished by Leanne Stanbury to put the blues ahead. Once again however, the away side worked their way through the Bude defence to score an equaliser, leaving the score as 2-2 at half time.
Manager, Richard Pinkus roused the girls spirits during the break, encouraging the strong performance the girls were putting in which the squad took back onto the field. The 2nd half whistle blew and the Seasiders were right back into the game, with Anna Cleave working tirelessly throughout, showing vast improvements in her game. Lou Page played the right wing, making some good runs and testing the Plympton wing back throughout. Sarah Badham worked hard up front alongside Stanbury, where she effortlessly lobbed the keeper off a Curtis through-ball to make the score 3-2. Plympton continued their plight and after a short run, scored the equaliser, 3-3.
Bude were tenacious in their play, putting in 100% effort to the end, Taz stopping any significant chances for the away side for the game’s duration. The Seasiders rallied hard, making every tackle, working together as a team and encouraging each other’s play. They were rewarded with five minutes left to go when an excellent Clare Gifford ball played out wide to Badham gave her the opportunity to slot the winning goal past the keeper, leaving the final score 4-3 to an elated Bude side.
The girl’s form has improved in recent weeks with a string of wins throughout November including that of the first round of the county cup.
They hope to continue their winning streak next week against a strong Alphington side at home.
2/12/18 - Alphington | Home | 14:00 KO.