THE Seasiders secured a vital three points in their quest for survival as they saw off North Cornwall rivals Bodmin 4-2 at the Budehaven Sports Centre.

Bude started the game well in the opening 10 minutes and were duly rewarded with the opening goal as some neat link-up play saw the ball moved up the field until Matthew Horton fired home from mid-range.

The hosts then settled and continued to have the better of the play and chances, creating more openings in front of goal whilst limiting Bodmin who who also fell foul of the umpires cards which, combined with an injury, heavily disrupted them.

Shots did come and go for both teams and it was not until the 25th minute for the next decisive move to unfold as Bude got a clearcut shot away on goal that was illegally stopped on the goal-line which resulted in a penalty flick.

Charlie Falla assertively stepped up and calmly flicked the ball left at mid height just inches above the visiting keeper’s stick to double the lead.

Bodmin responded well and soon they got their rub of the green as home keeper Andy Davis fumbled a near-post shot which bounced off the post and back across the goal for the Bodmin striker to halve the deficit.

The visitors pushed hard from this moment and got the better of Bude, forcing them into a number of unforced errors, but crucially the score remained as it was thanks to some dogged defending.

Some relatively harsh and stern half time words by player coach Davis resonated with the Bude team as they intently listened and delivered what was asked perfectly which led to arguably their best second half performance of the season.

Within five minutes of the restart the lead was extended. Following some sublime play through the middle and out to the right wing and after a shot on goal, the ball bounced kindly to Henry Gwynn-Thomas who fired home to the delight of the vocal home supporters.

Bude continued to do all the right things in and out of possession which helped them remain on top during this important phase of the game, so it was no surprise when they got their fourth goal as man-of-the-match Horton smashed a low shot into the bottom corner for a three-goal cushion.

As the game entered the final quarter, Bodmin responded well, never letting their heads drop as they slowly began to wrestle momentum their way.

They created a number of good chances both from open play and penalty corners, but the inspired Davis did his bit to preserve the lead as long as possible with a string of fine saves.

Chances continued to go the visitors’ way and they got a deserved second when a goalmouth scramble wasn’t cleared and Kevin Harris made no mistake at the far post.

A nervy five minutes ensued for the Seasiders, but they held on for a 4-2 victory which saw them leapfrog ahead of Bodmin in the league standings and up to eighth in the 12-team division.

Bude sit six points clear of second bottom Duchy and are next in action on Saturday when they visit North Devon at The Park Community School in Barnstaple (2pm).