BUDE Town boss Steve Hackett praised the Seasiders as his patched up side saw off Camelford in the Atlantic Coast derby at Broadclose Park on Saturday in South West Peninsula League Premier West.

Early first half goals from striker Saddam ‘Tornado’ Bello put the Seasiders – who were missing several regulars in midfield and defence – 2-0 up inside 20 minutes, before the hosts were reduced to ten men before half-time when Jake Woodland was red-carded for a late tackle.

Tom Crowe pulled one back for the visitors with 15 minutes to play, but soon after suffered a red card themselves as Jacob Ham was given a second booking for pulling back Billy Hopcroft.

There was still time for Kenley Dyson to fluff a shot when well-placed, but Bude held on to move within four points of the fifth-placed Camels, albeit having played a game more.

A delighted Hackett told the Post: “We played well against Elburton in our last game, missed several big chances, but just didn’t take them and ended up losing 3-1.

“Heading into the game we felt that although Camelford are a good side, if we can play like we did against Elburton and take our chances, then we’d be in with a shout, and that’s what happened, particularly having twice beaten us already this season.

“But the grit and determination to work for each other was great and there were several excellent individual performances, so I was delighted.”

Camels assistant boss Dan Balsdon, who was in charge with Bobby Hopkinson absent, felt his side created the better chances.

He said: “It was just very frustrating really. We knew Bude would be a different team with ‘Tornado’ up front and he caused us more problems than probably anyone has all season.

“They had a gameplan and scored their goals when they did, but I certainly feel that we had the better chances throughout the game, particularly in the first half.

“It was disappointing we didn’t take them and they’re ones you would expect to take a lot of the time as well, plus it was a good chance to continue the good run we’ve been on.

“However, we need to bounce back on Saturday against Millbrook at home. They’re slightly unpredictable in that they seem to pick up results when you might not expect them to, and likewise when you think they’ll win they often don’t.

“We also had a few out on Saturday, including Ryan, who’s obviously been banging in the goals for us – so hopefully we’ll have a bigger squad to choose from.

“The defeat [at the weekend] certainly hurt the players, so we’ll be looking for a response.”

Bude look set for a push for the top six in their final dozen outings, but take a break from league action this Saturday as they welcome defending champions Penzance in the third-round of the Walter C. Parson League Cup.

Hackett concluded: “Saturday will be a welcome distraction, and we certainly want to beat any side we come up against.

“Yes they’re another good side and are strong in all departments, but we’re at home and we know all about them having only played them a few weeks ago.

“If we play like we have in the last two games, then I feel we’ll be a match for anybody.”