A TOUGH first half for the hosts ensured a clinical Plymouth University Seconds side left North Cornwall with all three points.

Bude headed into the game off the back of an excellent victory over Newquay Seconds in the Cornwall Cup, however it was the Devonians whose five-goal salvo in the opening 35 minutes meant the hosts had an uphill task.

Bude did have the luxury of naming a full squad of 15 for the second straight week.

However, despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Rachel Pomeroy who made a series of fine saves against their talented visitors, the defence of Naomi Hatcher, Elsa Edwards, Willow Du Plessis, and Tilly Collins couldn’t contain them for long enough.

The midfield worked hard throughout with Caroline Hockridge, EJ Biggadike, Mia Flynn, and Charlotte Prime pushing the play forward. They were supported by subs Maeve Motsch and Eleanor Rush bringing fresh energy, while the attacking trio of Chloe Hall, Lulu Goaman and Niamh Turner fought to create opportunities against a strong defence.

To Bude’s credit they improved markedly after the break, showing real spirit and teamwork, and grabbed two goals back to make the scoreline more respectable.

The first arrived when a good run from Hall saw her drive down the line and around the keeper before finding Prime who made no mistake.

The second was all about Prime’s individual talents as she beat a couple of defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball in.

While the comeback was never likely to end in any reward, Bude will hope to take the second half momentum into their next game at mid-table Okehampton on Saturday (12.30pm).

The Seasiders make the relatively short trip by their standards sitting ninth in the 10-team division with one win from their five starts.