Bude claim bragging rights over local rivals Camelford

BUDE Town ran out comfortable winners on Saturday to claim all three points and bragging rights over local rivals Camelford in an entertaining game at Broadclose Park.

The home side, who welcomed Tornado Bello to the dugout for his first game as joint manager, were on the front foot from the first whistle.

They took the lead after 14 minutes when a free kick was taken short to skipper Harry Hopcroft, who’s shot from 25 yards cannoned off the under side of the bar and was followed in by new signing Ray Spear on his debut.

Bude finished the first half on top and pushed on again in the second, doubling their lead in the 52nd minute. A neat through ball sent Billy Hopcroft one on one with visiting goalkeeper, Cory Harvey, with the former being upended when rounding the goalie for a penalty.

Harry Hopcroft stepped up to complete his brothers hard work and smash the penalty home for 2-0. Barring one excellent save from Leam Powell, Bude controlled the remainder of the game, with the third coming through man-of-the-match Spear, who pounced on a Harrison Swatton deflected shot to slot home to put the result beyond doubt.

After a thoroughly professional team performance from the Seasiders, joint-manager Bello said: “It was a very good result and a well-deserved win. I think we surprised a few people because I don’t think they expected us to beat Camelford 3-0.

“We’ve watched some of Camelford’s games, we’ve analysed them and we know what they are capable of. You can see that they are a well organised team and Bobby Hopkinson is a very good manager.

“Fortunately, we were the best team on the day as our players gave everything out on the pitch. Everyone in my eyes was man of the match because it was a great team performance collectively.

“Obviously, one game doesn’t define a team, but I believe in this young squad and I’m sure they will do very well this season. I think our players are very capable of fighting at the top of the league.”

As the Post went to press, Bude were preparing for their Tuesday night clash against Dobwalls at Lantoom Park. Meanwhile, the Camels face another stern test away at Callington Town tonight (Wednesday, August 26) at 7.30pm.

Both teams are in action this Saturday with the Seasiders going up against Wadebridge Town at Bodieve Park, while Camelford are set to host Sticker.

Bude Town: Leam Powell, Jake Woodland, Finn Haste, James Wheeler, Harry Hopcroft (captain), Baga Markio, Harrsion Swatton, Harry Banks, Ray Spear, Billy Hopcroft, Rio Anderson. Subs: John Wharton, Ryan Leverton, Jamie Gorst, Tega Olaosebikan, Oli Cleave.

Camelford: Cory Harvey, Piotr Maciejewski, Olly Taylor, Rose Beare, Tom Crowe (Captain), Dan Hocking, Kenley Dyson, Jacob Ham, Kyle Flew, Ryan Downing, Joe Parr. Subs: Ronnie Reynolds, Will Rees, Josh Harris, Matt Lloyd, Bobby Hopkinson.

Goals: Ray Spear (two), Harry Hopcroft.