BUDE built on their three recent victories with a deserved point against high-flying Plymouth Lions Seconds at the Budehaven Sports Centre.

The Cornishmen got straight down to business from the first whistle, being well-organised and disciplined all over the pitch.

This meant the opening quarter was a fascinating midfield battle with half chances for both teams.

Bude held their nerve and composure well until the midway point of the half when a highly fortuitous goal broke the deadlock after the Lions countered swiftly down their left.

A mis-hit shot from the edge of D somehow looped unattainably high over Andy Davis who could only watch as the ball looked to continue its trajectory over the crossbar until striker James Johnson appeared at the back post and somehow deflected it down and into the goal.

Bude regrouped quickly and, like the visitors, had some chances as the score remained 1-0 going into half-time.

A reminder to keep doing the right things and tweak a few minor issues such as being slightly more patient would bring Bude even more chances, and this proved to be the case.

Right from the off Bude elevated their game with great individual skills and slick team play which meant striker Charlie Falla saw more of the ball.

He created havoc for the visiting defence with his pace and skills which left the defenders no option but to consistently foul him and break up play.

This dominance combined with poor discipline by Plymouth saw the pressure mount on them, but they had their keeper to thank as he kept them in the game with a number of fine saves until Falla finally got the better of him, only to see his shot stopped illegally on the line by a defender.

The ball was rightly given in this instance to Tom Lush to take the penalty flick; he was ice cold under the pressure and fired the ball past the keeper and into the side netting with an exquisite flick to draw the team’s level.

Plymouth then fell foul of the umpires once more and were temporarily reduced to 10 men which allowed Bude to create further chances.

But they just missed out as they were unable to convert any of their chances.

Once back to full strength, Plymouth pushed hard for a winner which created a tense end-to-end period of the game, but the home defence dug deep and everyone got a stick or save in as required.

With just a few minutes remaining and not wanting to lose a vital point, the Cornishmen closed the ranks and became more compact to effectively manage the game to the final whistle and safely secure the draw.

Reflecting on the game, head coach Andy Davis told the Post: “Although everyone within the team and club played their part, our man-of-the-match award went to Tom Lush who was even more incredible than his normal high self; rightly earning him the award as he was literally everywhere on the pitch, dominating from D to D, seamlessly combining defence and attack and hardly put a foot wrong all game.

9“He led the team like a true superhero from his midfield position.”

The Seasiders are in action this Saturday when they host fourth-placed Truro Seconds (midday).