BUDE’S tough season results wise continued on Saturday as mid-table Caradon Thirds edged a close contest at Lux Park.

The Seasiders have been working hard in training, but suffered a late pull-out which meant Tilly Collins was called in at right-back.

Bude started well, playing some lovely attacking hockey while moving the ball through the midfield duo of Caroline Hockridge and EJ Biggadike.

Mia Flynn was making great runs down the right, assisted by Charlotte Prime, while Charlotte Kingdon on the left was able to make inroads and create chances in the D, which included the opening goal.

She raced into the D and although her flick beat the keeper but not the crossbar, Flynn was on hand to sweep the loose ball into the net.

Caradon came back into the game but the defence of Willow Du Plessis, Naomi Hatcher and Collins stood firm.

The Liskeard side left a forward high which meant that Bude had to keep a defender deep to make sure they weren't overloaded at the back, while Izzy Sobey linked well in midfield passing the ball into Chloe Hall and Prime to drive into the home D.

The visitors were awarded short corners but couldn’t double their lead and were soon indebted to some fine saves from Jo Timmins, although she couldn’t stop a deserved equaliser which went in at the near-post.

Bude rallied, continuing to play their game and switched the ball around the pitch, but their efforts were thwarted by Caradon’s defence.

The hosts’ efforts were rewarded late in the half as they were awarded a penalty flick which was converted for 2-1.

After a good team talk Bude came out keen to keep moving the ball around and it wasn't long before they were creating chances. However, they were unable to convert them. Caradon were still pressing the Bude last third but player-of-the-match Hatcher was on fire, making tackle after tackle.

Evelyn Varcoe was moved into the right-back position and she stuck to the task of keeping Caradons left forward quiet, while at the other end, Prime went on a mazy run and rode several tackles before getting into the D, but her shot was saved.

But Bude picked up the ball and in the melee, Flynn was there to slot the ball home from a tight angle.

Both teams then pushed forward with the Caradon keeper making some fine saves, while the Seasiders’ defence seemingly stood firm, that was until late on as despite Timmins making a double save, the hosts were awarded a penalty flick.

That was dispatched to give the hosts victory and leave the visitors, who took plenty of positives from a decent performance, having to wait until January 17 to take to the pitch again.

The result left Bude on three points from their opening eight games, but are just a win behind Camborne School of Mines.