Bude claim bragging rights over local rivals Camelford

BUDE Town ran out comfortable winners on Saturday to claim all three points and bragging rights over local rivals Camelford in an entertaining game at the Broadclose.

The home side, who welcomed Tornado Bello to the dugout for his first game as joint manager, were on the front foot from the first whistle.

They deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes when a free kick was taken short to skipper Harry Hopcroft, who’s shot from 25 yards cannoned off the under side of the bar and was followed in by new signing Ray Spear on his debut.

Bude finished the first half on top and pushed on again in the second, doubling their lead in the 52nd minute. A neat through ball sent Billy Hopcroft one on one with visiting keeper, Cory Harvey, with the former being upended when rounding the gloveman for a stonewall penalty.

Skipper Harry Hopcroft stepped up to complete his brothers hard work and smash the penalty home for 2-0. Barring one excellent save from Leam Powell, Bude controlled the remainder of the game, with the third coming through man-of-the-match Spear, who pounced on a Harrison Swatton deflected shot to slot home to put the result beyond doubt.

After a thoroughly professional team performance from Bude, joint-manager Bello said: “It was a very good result and a well-deserved win. I think we’ve surprised a few people because I don’t think they were expecting us to beat Camelford 3-0.

“We’ve watched some of Camelford’s games, we’ve analysed them and we know what they are capable of. You can see that they are a well organised team and Bobby Hopkinson is a very good manager.

“Fortunately, we were the best team on the day as our players gave everything out on the pitch. Everyone in my eyes was man-of-the-match because it was a great team performance collectively.

“Obviously, one game doesn’t define a team, but I believe in this young squad and I’m sure they will do very well this season. I think our players are very capable of fighting at the top of the league.”

Bude will prepare for their Tuesday night clash against Dobwalls at Lantoom Park, while the Camels face another stern away day test against Callington Town on Wednesday, August 26.

Bude Town: Leam Powell, Jake Woodland, Finn Haste, James Wheeler, Harry Hopcroft (captain), Baga Markio, Harrsion Swatton, Harry Banks, Ray Spear, Billy Hopcroft, Rio Anderson. Subs: John Wharton, Ryan Leverton, Jamie Gorst, Tega Olaosebikan, Oli Cleave.

Camelford: Cory Harvey, Piotr Maciejewski, Olly Taylor, Rose Beare, Tom Crowe (Captain), Dan Hocking, Kenley Dyson, Jacob Ham, Kyle Flew, Ryan Downing, Joe Parr. Subs: Ronnie Reynolds, Will Rees, Josh Harris, Matt Lloyd, Bobby Hopkinson.