BUDE got their first point of the season at the third attempt after securing a 2-2 draw at fellow strugglers Duchy.

The Seasiders knew they needed to gain reward from their trip west and started with a bubbly outlook and game-plan designed to put pressure on their opponents.

This started to work as an even opening quarter probably slightly favoured Bude and just as they were growing in confidence they suffered a hammer blow as Duchy scored with their first shot on goal from a simple penalty corner strike that slipped past between keeper and the defender on the post.

Bude did not panic and continued to do the right things. They created some decent chances, however found the home goalkeeper in the right place on each occasion as Duchy went into the break 1-0 ahead.

The half-time focus in the Bude camp was to focus on the belief of scoring goals and the fact that opportunities were being created.

That mindset was quickly put into action as they soon earned a penalty corner and scored from it. But the jubilation was short-lived as it was chalked off for a high initial hit.

Things then went from bad to worse as they went 2-0 down after Duchy converted from the penalty spot with a solid flick into the bottom corner.

The game then swung when Duchy were reduced to 10 men for persistent fouling and deliberate breakdown of play.

With nothing to lose and time running out, Bude threw the proverbial kitchen sink at their opponents and got a goal back with Tom Lush pushing high from midfield and poaching a goal from close-range.

Bude then continued to squeeze their opponents like a team on a mission until they received a green card, reducing both teams to 10.

But the Seasiders bided their time and once both teams were back to full strength, with just 2 minutes remaining, Bude made one final push and assault on the Duchy goal, causing a goalmouth scramble where Matthew Horton poked home from close range to level the scores.

However the drama was not complete as a quick restart from the home side sent the ball straight into the Bude D where they hit a defender’s foot and a penalty corner was given.

With the umpires blowing the final whistle, it meant the set-piece would be the last play of the game.

Duchy pushed everyone forward and an imposing sea of 10 orange-shirted players faced the five Bude defenders for a massive climax to the game.

Duchy played a passing set-piece which resulted in them scoring, but the eagled-eyed umpires spotted the ball deflecting of an attacker’s foot on the way through, so the goal was chalked off, allowing Bude to celebrate a great comeback and leave the hosts left slightly disappointed having given up their commanding lead.

Bude put in a shift and a true team performance, but voted Henry Gwynn-Thomas and Marc Leverton as joint men of the match for their attacking performances that helped drive the team forward.

Saturday’s game is another bottom of the table clash as Bude host the only team below them in the table, Devonport Services.